The City Hall Loop: The Hidden Gem of New York's Subway

The City Hall station, also known as City Hall Loop, is a closed station on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway. This architectural marvel, located beneath City Hall Park in Manhattan, holds a special place in the history of New York's transportation system and continues to captivate the imagination of urban explorers and film directors alike.

History and Design

Opened on October 27, 1904, City Hall station was designed to be the showpiece of New York's first subway line. It was constructed as part of the original 28 stations of the New York City Subway, serving as the southern terminal of the city's inaugural subway route.

The station's design is a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century architecture. Unlike typical subway stations, City Hall features:

 

1. Romanesque Revival architecture
2. Guastavino tile vaulted ceilings
3. Skylights (now blackened since World War II)
4. Colored glass tilework
5. Brass chandeliers
6. Commemorative plaques

 

These elegant features were the work of Rafael Guastavino, with Heins & LaFarge serving as the main consulting architects.

Closure and Legacy

Despite its beauty, City Hall station faced practical challenges. Its sharply curved platform created dangerous gaps between the train and the platform edge. The station's proximity to the more accessible Brooklyn Bridge station also contributed to its low ridership.

On December 31, 1945, the City Hall station was closed to regular passenger service. However, its legacy lives on:

 

1. The loop track is still used by 6 trains to turn around after their last stop at Brooklyn Bridge station.
2. The station occasionally hosts tours organized by the New York Transit Museum.
3. In 1979, it was designated as a New York City Landmark.

Cinematic Appeal

The unique architecture and mysterious aura of City Hall station have made it a popular location for filmmakers. Some notable appearances include:

 

• "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (1990): The station is believed to have been featured in this cult classic.
• "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" (2016): The ending scenes of this Harry Potter spin-off were reportedly filmed here.

 

While these are the most commonly cited examples, the station's cinematic potential has likely inspired many other filmmakers and location scouts over the years.

Visiting City Hall Station

For those eager to catch a glimpse of this underground marvel:

 

1. Take the downtown 6 train and stay on after the last stop at Brooklyn Bridge station. As the train loops around to head back uptown, you may catch a brief view of the station.
2. Join a tour organized by the New York Transit Museum (membership required).

 

Remember, the station is not open for general public access due to safety and security concerns.

Conclusion

The City Hall Loop stands as a testament to New York's rich architectural and transportation history. While no longer in regular use, its enduring beauty continues to captivate subway enthusiasts, history buffs, and film audiences worldwide. This hidden gem serves as a reminder of the artistry and vision that went into creating New York's groundbreaking subway system over a century ago.