These two old subway stations are getting $100 million refresh

According to MTA documents, two very old and poorly maintained subway stations in the MTA’s system might undergo significant renovations. These renovations could cost more than $100 million. The Chambers Street station in Downtown Manhattan and the 190th Street Station in Washington Heights are going to be renovated. These stations have needed repairs for a long time.

Gothamist was the first to report this news today. They mentioned that the plan was made public in a request for bids published by the MTA last year.  If you have ever been inside either of the two stations, you may have noticed that every part of their interiors appears to be deteriorating.

For instance, at Chambers Street station, there are many tiles missing from each column. There are also leaks that create brown puddles of liquid and strong smells, even compared to the usual standards of the New York City subway. This station is for the J and Z subway lines.

The 190th Street Station, which is on the A line, also has many missing or broken tiles. The ceilings are chipping, moldy, or both. The skeletons of both stations indicate that they were once beautiful, and it will be expensive to restore them to their previous splendor.

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Currently, the MTA is seeking design-build teams to submit their qualifications for the project. The project is looking for a company that can do repair and renovation work that is sensitive to historical preservation. They also need a company that can replace station stairs, install new artwork, build new track walls at the Chambers Street Station, and create an ADA accessible path at the 190 Street Station.

Both stations are well-built. The 190 Street Station is included in the National Register of Historic Places. It has a unique entrance house made of granite, located along Fort Washington Avenue and Bennet Ave. Gothamist reported that it is also one of the deepest stations in the entire system.

The MTA is expected to pay the entire $100 million cost. Once construction starts, it is expected to last for two years. Putting aside the costs, it’s exciting to imagine that these stations, known for their skillful workmanship and intricate details, could be restored to their previous grandeur.

Time Out contacted the MTA to get more information about the planned renovations, but the MTA did not respond to requests for comment right away.