181st Street station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)

New York City Subway station in Manhattan the station at West 181st Street & Saint Nicholas Avenue 181st Street station (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line) September 2025 December 2023 181 Street 181st Street–Fort Washington Avenuehttps://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/12/archives/more-subway-escalators.html More Subway Escalators May 12, 1939 The New York Times August 2, 2017 en-US 0362-4331 181st Street Northbound IND 8th Avenue Line Platform, December 2025.jpg Northbound R211A A train departing West 181st Street & Fort Washington AvenueNew York, New York Manhattan Washington Heights, Hudson Heights 40.8517 N 73.9380 W inline,title IND IND Eighth Avenue Line Eighth far north NYCT Bus: Bx3 Bx7 Bx11 Bx13 Bx35 Bx36 M4 M98 M100 GWB Bus Station 2 side platforms 2 Underground 1932 09 10List of the 28 Stations on the New 8th Av. Line 0362-4331 https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/09/10/100849595.html?pageNumber=6 April 21, 2020 The New York Times September 10, 1932 6 Fort Washington Avenue & 184th Street, Overlook Terrace & 184th Street, east side of Fort Washington Avenue yes New York City Subway Eighth far north 190th Street 175th Street alltimes yes 181st Street Subway Station (IND) March 30, 2005 New York City Subway System MPS 05000233Records of the National Park Service, 1785 - 2006 National Archives https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75313903 National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records, 2013 - 2017 New York MPS 181st Street Subway Station (IND) 75313903 National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: New York New York State Register of Historic Places December 18, 2004Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation November 7, 2014 https://cris.parks.ny.gov/ July 20, 2023 April 4, 2019 http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190404141934/https://cris.parks.ny.gov/ live 06101.007642 190th Street 175th Street IND Eighth Avenue Line y 345 uvÜST The 181st Street station (also known as 181st Street–Fort Washington Avenue) is a station on the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway. It is located beneath Fort Washington Avenue in the Hudson Heights section of the Washington Heights neighborhood, between 181st and 184th Streets. The station is served by the A train at all times. The 181st Street station opened in 1932 and has two tracks and two side platforms. It is located near Bennett Park, the highest natural point in Manhattan. The station has two exits to Fort Washington Avenue: one at 181st Street and another across from Bennett Park. A third entrance is at 184th Street and Overlook Terrace at the bottom of the hill; elevators connect the Bennett Park and Overlook Terrace entrances. The station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. History Construction and opening New York City mayor John Francis Hylan's original plans for the Independent Subway System (IND), proposed in 1922, included building over 100 mi of new lines and taking over nearly 100 mi of existing lines. The lines were designed to compete with the existing underground, surface, and elevated lines operated by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) and BMT.August 4, 1923 Two Subway Routes Adopted by City 9 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1923/08/04/archives/two-subway-routes-adopted-by-city-estimate-board-accepts-wash.html August 1, 2019 0362-4331March 12, 1924 Plans Now Ready to Start Subways 1 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1924/03/12/archives/plans-now-ready-to-start-subways-commission-notifies-city-it-can.html August 1, 2019 0362-4331 On December 9, 1924, the New York City Board of Transportation (BOT) gave preliminary approval for the construction of the IND Eighth Avenue Line.December 10, 1924 Hylan Subway Plan Links Four Boroughs at $450,000,000 Cost 1 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1924/12/10/archives/hylan-subway-plan-links-four-boroughs-at-450000000-cost-manhattan.html live June 29, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180614021251/https://www.nytimes.com/1924/12/10/archives/hylan-subway-plan-links-four-boroughs-at-450000000-cost-manhattan.html June 14, 2018 0362-4331 This line consisted of a corridor connecting Inwood, Manhattan, to Downtown Brooklyn, running largely under Eighth Avenue but also paralleling Greenwich Avenue and Sixth Avenue in Lower Manhattan. The line also included a tunnel under Fort Washington Avenue in Washington Heights, Manhattan. The BOT announced a list of stations on the new line in February 1928, with a station at 181st Street.1113431477 Express and Local Stations For New Eighth Avenue Line February 5, 1928 B1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 The BOT began constructing the 181st Street station in 1928.8 Squire J. Vickers, the chief architect of the Dual System, helped design the 181st Street station. He was responsible for most stations on the city-operated Independent Subway System (IND), and, being a painter, he did tile work for the station.8183 Robert Ridgway was hired as the chief engineer.9 The finishes at the five stations between 175th and 207th Street, including the 181st Street station, were 18 percent completed by May 1930.May 26, 1930 Progress is Rapid on 8th Av. Subway; Board's Engineers Report Spurt in Building Is Likely to Open the Line in July, 1930 en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/26/archives/progress-is-rapid-on-8th-av-subway-boards-engineers-report-spurt-in.html April 29, 2023 0362-4331 By that August, the BOT reported that the Eighth Avenue Line was nearly completed and that the stations from 116th Street to 207th Street were 99.9 percent completed.August 24, 1930 Eighth Av. Subway Nearly Completed; Basic Construction Work From Chambers to 207th St. Done Except on Few Short Stretches en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1930/08/24/archives/eighth-av-subway-nearly-completed-basic-construction-work-from.html March 15, 2023 0362-4331 The entire line was completed by September 1931, except for the installation of turnstiles.O'Brien John C. September 9, 1931 8th Ave. Line Being Rushed For Use Jan. 1: Turnstile Installation on Subway Begins Monday; Other Equipment Ready for Start of Train Service City Has Yet to Find Operating Company Transit Official on Trip, 207th to Canal Street, Inspects Finished Tube 1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1331181357 A preview event for the new subway was hosted on September 8, 1932, two days before the official opening.September 9, 1932 Sightseers Invade New Subway When Barricade Is lifted en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/sightseers-invade-new-subway-when-barricade-is-lifted.html live July 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220701191612/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/sightseers-invade-new-subway-when-barricade-is-lifted.html July 1, 2022 0362-4331September 9, 1932 8th Av. Subway Gets First 5c. by Woman's Error: She Peers Into a Station, Hears Train, Pays for Ride, but Is Day Too Early Preparing for Tomorrow's Rush on 8th Ave. Subway 1 New York Herald Tribune 1125436641 The 181st Street station opened on September 10, 1932, as part of the city-operated IND's initial segment, the Eighth Avenue Line between Chambers Street and 207th Street.Crowell Paul September 10, 1932 Gay Midnight Crowd Rides First Trains In The New Subway: Throngs at Station an Hour Before Time, Rush Turnstiles When Chains are Dropped The New York Times https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/09/10/100849529.pdf November 8, 2015Sebring Lewis B. September 10, 1932 Midnight Jam Opens City's New Subway: Turnstiles Click Into Action at 12:01 A. M. as Throngs Battle for Places in 'First' Trains Boy, 7, Leads Rush At 42d St. Station City at Last Hails 8th Ave. Line After 7-Year Wait; Cars Bigger, Clean Transit Commissioner Officially Opening New Subway at Midnight 1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114839882 Construction of the whole line cost $191.2 million (US 191200000 1932 eq). Service at this station was provided with express service from its onset. While the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line already provided service to Washington Heights, the new subway via Fort Washington Avenue made subway service more readily accessible.Duffus R. L. September 9, 1932 New Line First Unit In City-Wide System en-US 12 The New York Times http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/09/09/100848998.html subscription August 3, 2017 0362-4331 Soon after the station opened, a bus route running over the George Washington Bridge began connecting this station to Fort Lee, New Jersey, for a fare of five cents.https://www.nytimes.com/1931/10/25/archives/bridge-commuters-pay-5cent-fare-buses-will-carry-passengers-from.html Bridge Commuters Pay 5-Cent Fare; Buses Will Carry Passengers From Fort Lee to 181st Street Subway Station. Five-Cent Fare Benefits. October 25, 1931 The New York Times August 2, 2017 en-US 0362-4331 subscription The construction of the station spurred development in the surrounding area.https://www.nytimes.com/1931/11/17/archives/operators-add-to-holdings-in-washington-heights-area.html Operators Add to Holdings In Washington Heights Area November 17, 1931 The New York Times August 2, 2017 en-US 0362-4331 subscription Its opening resulted in the development of residential apartment buildings around the station.9 Operation In December 1950, the New York City Board of Transportation issued a report concerning the construction of bomb shelters in the subway system in the midst of the Cold War. Five deep stations in Washington Heights, including the 181st Street station, were considered to be ideal for being used as bomb-proof shelters. The program was expected to cost $104 million (equivalent to $c US 0.104 1950 3 billion in US). These shelters were expected to provide limited protection against conventional bombs, while providing protection against shock waves and air blast, as well as from the heat and radiation from an atomic bomb. To become suitable as shelters, the stations would require water-supply facilities, first-aid rooms, and additional bathrooms.Ronan Thomas P. December 29, 1950 Subway Shelters to Cost $104,000,000 Proposed for City en-US 1 The New York Times http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/12/29/82088911.html August 3, 2017 0362-4331 subscriptionLister Walter Jr. December 29, 1950 Subway Bomb Shelters Outlined, City Seeks U.S. Aid on Financing: Bingham Plans Sleeping Quarters for 101,500, Standing Room for a Million More 1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1327452864 However, the program, which required federal funding, was never completed.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33803059/daily_news/ Stein's Plan For Subway Cash. Would Utilize Extensions For Shelters, Let U.S. Pay O'Flaherty Mary January 5, 1957 New York Daily News July 12, 2019 The 181st Street station is mostly unchanged from its original design, although it has deteriorated over time, with some water damage.9 On March 30, 2005, the 181st Street station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The station was considered historically and architecturally significant as an early IND station that retained many of its original features.8 In May 2022, the three escalators leading to the 181st Street exit were all closed for repairs. As a result, riders had to either use the 184th Street exit or walk up nearly 90 steps.Wong Ashley Kvetenadze Téa May 20, 2022 Getting Off at 181st Street? Bring Your Hiking Boots. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/20/nyregion/nyc-subway-escalator-outage-181-street.html May 24, 2022 0362-4331Mocker Greg Chasan Aliza Subway riders face long climb up stairs at deep Manhattan subway station; escalators will be out of service for 9 months PIX11 May 18, 2022 https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/subway-riders-face-long-climb-up-stairs-at-deep-manhattan-subway-station-escalators-will-be-out-of-service-for-9-months/ May 24, 2022 The escalators had suffered periodic outages over the years; they were all closed simultaneously because they were powered by the same motor. The replacement escalators opened in April 2023, two months behind schedule.Mocker Greg April 7, 2023 Escalators reopen at 1 of NYC's deepest subway stations after nearly a year https://pix11.com/news/local-news/replacement-escalators-open-at-uptown-subway-station/ July 13, 2023 PIX11 In 2025, the MTA requested that the developer of a nearby parcel at 524 Fort Washington Avenue, adjacent to one of the 181st Street station's entrances, set aside space for a subway power station.Hughes C. J. Latest snag with long-planned tower in Washington Heights involves subway station Crain's New York Business July 15, 2025 https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/twenty-year-old-one-bennett-park-project-hits-new-hurdle-mta July 16, 2025 Elevator modifications 1930s to 1990s From 1932 until 1957, pedestrians had to pay a fare to use the elevators. Though the elevators were intended for subway riders, local residents paid the subway fare to avoid climbing about eight stories up Fort Washington Hill. On September 5, 1957, the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) began allowing free public access to the elevators at the 181st and 190th Street stations. Bills were proposed in the New York State Legislature to put the elevators out of fare control, but these failed in committee. The NYCTA agreed once Joseph Zaretzki, the local State Senator, requested the change.September 6, 1957 2 IND Elevators Open To Free Use 19 The New York Times http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1957/09/06/93216229.html?pageNumber=19 subscription July 30, 2016 During the 1970s, the NYCTA attempted to eliminate the elevator attendants at this station once the elevators become automatic, but was not able to do so as a state law was passed by the urging of local politicians that required them to stay on the job. For four months during 1999, the station was closed while repairs were made to the elevators.https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/16/nyregion/neighborhood-report-new-york-up-close-for-perennially-ailing-subway-elevators.html Neighborhood Report: New York Up Close; For Perennially Ailing Subway Elevators, the Doctor Will Call in April Barnes Julian E. January 16, 2000 The New York Times August 2, 2017 en-US 0362-4331 2000s to present Several of the elevators in the station are staffed by elevator attendants, who are also employed at four other deep-level stations in Washington Heights. The elevator attendants are intended to reassure passengers, as the elevators are the only entrance to the platforms, and passengers often wait for the elevators with an attendant.Grynbaum Michael M. April 28, 2011 The Subway's Elevator Operators, a Reassuring Amenity of Another Era en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/nyregion/subway-elevator-operators-dwindle-in-new-york.html live limited August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20110504015543/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/nyregion/subway-elevator-operators-dwindle-in-new-york.html May 4, 2011 0362-4331 The attendants at the five stations are primarily maintenance and cleaning workers who suffered injuries that made it hard for them to continue doing their original jobs.Brachfeld Ben Espaillat, TWU sue MTA over plan to stop staffing uptown subway elevators amNewYork July 13, 2023 https://www.amny.com/transit/espaillat-twu-sue-mta-uptown-subway-elevators/ July 14, 2023 Riders of the 181st Street station have connected with the station's elevator attendants. For instance, in 2000, one elevator attendant put up images of popular jazz musicians while playing jazz music. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) ordered the posters removed, but 300 residents protested their removal. The elevator attendants have been known to attempt to cheer up commuters by playing music. A 2003 New York Times article stated that one operator played calypso music and merengue music from a portable CD player, and that "on occasion a dour-faced occupant will execute a brief tap or samba step on the way out". In July 2003, to reduce costs, the MTA announced that as part of its 2004 budget it would eliminate 22 elevator operator positions at the 181st Street station and four others in Washington Heights, leaving one full-time operator per station.Waller Nikki November 23, 2003 Why They Take the A Train (and the 1/9) – Neighborhood Report: Washington Heights en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/23/nyregion/neighborhood-report-washington-heights-citypeople-why-they-take-train-1-9.html live limited August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150528000737/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/23/nyregion/neighborhood-report-washington-heights-citypeople-why-they-take-train-1-9.html May 28, 2015 0362-4331 The agency had intended to remove all the attendants at these stops, but kept one in each station after many riders protested.Piazza Jo December 7, 2003 M.T.A. Urged Not to Cut Elevator Jobs At 5 Stations en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/nyregion/mta-urged-not-to-cut-elevator-jobs-at-5-stations.html live limited August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20190417211300/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/nyregion/mta-urged-not-to-cut-elevator-jobs-at-5-stations.html April 17, 2019 0362-4331Sanchez Ray December 8, 2003 Deep Fears In Heights A02 Newsday 2574-5298 279797824 In addition, the MTA began operating all elevators at all times; prior to the change, each elevator only operated if it was staffed by an elevator operator.Luo Michael December 16, 2003 Likely M.T.A Budget Cuts 22 Subway Elevator Operators' Jobs en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/16/nyregion/likely-mta-budget-cuts-22-subway-elevator-operators-jobs.html July 13, 2023 0362-4331 The change took effect on January 20, 2004,Sangha Soni January 21, 2004 Riders fear elevator cutbacks Operators not standing by 3 New York Daily News 2692-1251 305858845 and was expected to save $1.15 million (US 1150000 2003 eq) a year. In November 2007, the MTA proposed savings cuts to help reduce the agency's deficit. As part of the plan, all elevator operators at 181st Street, along with those in four other stations in Washington Heights, would have been cut.Neuman William November 30, 2007 M.T.A. Savings Proposal May Mean Service Cuts en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/nyregion/30holiday.html live limited August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20081211154932/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/nyregion/30holiday.html December 11, 2008 0362-4331Gould Joe Nichols Adam December 1, 2007 Subway Elevator Cuts a Downer, Say Riders 10 New York Daily News 2692-1251 306138699 MTA employees had joined riders in worrying about an increase in crime as a result of the cuts after an elevator operator at 181st Street on the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line helped save a stabbed passenger.Sangha Soni January 21, 2004 Riders fear elevator cutbacks. Operators not standing by. 87 New York Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28294365/daily_news/ live February 11, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190212012813/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28294365/daily_news/ February 12, 2019 The move was intended to save $1.7 million a year. However, on December 7, 2007, the MTA announced that it would not remove the remaining elevator operators at these stations, due to pushback from elected officials and residents from the area.December 8, 2007 Changing Course, M.T.A. Will Keep Elevator Operators On en-US The New York Times https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE3DE1531F93BA35751C1A9619C8B63 live August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053810/https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9E0CE3DE1531F93BA35751C1A9619C8B63.html June 16, 2018 0362-4331 In October 2018, the MTA once again proposed removing the elevator operators at the five stations, but this was reversed after dissent from the Transport Workers' Union.Krisel Brendan October 31, 2018 Uptown Subway Stations Won't Lose Elevator Operators, Union Says Washington Heights-Inwood, NY Patch https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/uptown-subway-stations-wont-lose-elevator-operators-union-says live November 1, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181101095558/https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/uptown-subway-stations-wont-lose-elevator-operators-union-says November 1, 2018 The MTA again suggested reassigning elevator operators to station-cleaner positions in June 2023,Mocker Greg June 16, 2023 Transit union and MTA debate future of elevator operators at Uptown subway stations https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/transit-union-and-mta-debate-future-of-elevator-operators-at-uptown-subway-stations/ July 13, 2023 PIX11Simko-Bednarski Evan June 15, 2023 MTA reassigning elevator operators deepest NYC subway stations https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-subway-elevator-operator-reassign-20230615-dlzuv5usqbhelht2eskf2d76iq-story.html July 13, 2023 New York Daily News prompting local politicians to sue to prevent the operators' reassignments.Saltonstall Gus July 13, 2023 MTA Elevator Job Cuts Endanger Wash Heights Straphangers: Pol's Suit https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/mta-elevator-job-cuts-endanger-wash-heights-straphangers-pols July 13, 2023 Washington Heights-Inwood, NY Patch The station's elevators closed for replacement on August 3, 2019,2019 Replacing the Elevators at 181 St A Station https://new.mta.info/system_modernization/servicechanges/A181st live https://web.archive.org/web/20200619143603/https://new.mta.info/system_modernization/servicechanges/A181st June 19, 2020 June 19, 2020 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority and reopened almost exactly a year later on August 2, 2020.The Bulletin September 2020 https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2020/2020-09-bulletin.pdf erausa.org Electric Railroaders' Association September 2020 September 8, 2020 September 25, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200925093450/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2020/2020-09-bulletin.pdf deadAugust 4, 2020 New Elevators Begin Service at 181st Street "A" Train Station https://www.ny1.com/nyc/manhattan/news/2020/08/04/new-elevators-begin-service-at-181st-street-a-train-station July 13, 2023 Spectrum News NY1 The elevators that were replaced had been in service since the early 1930s, while the new elevators contained wider doors to allow for faster passenger entry and exit. During the replacement, the station remained open via the exits to 181st Street and Overlook Terrace.http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/updated-five-subway-stations-upper-manhattan-receive-new-elevators Five Subway Stations in Upper Manhattan to Receive New Elevators December 18, 2018 www.mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority December 18, 2018 December 19, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191219182344/http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/five-subway-stations-upper-manhattan-receive-new-elevators deadAbramov Nora Mocker Greg 5 subway stations will get replacement elevators WPIX 11 New York December 18, 2018 https://pix11.com/2018/12/18/5-subway-stations-will-get-replacement-elevators/ December 19, 2018 As part of the MTA's 2020–2024 Capital Program, the 181st Street station was selected to receive elevators between the platforms and mezzanine as part of a process to expand the New York City Subway system's accessibility.MTA Announces 2020-24 Capital Program Projects Scheduled for Award in 2020 Metropolitan Transportation Authority February 27, 2020 https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/mta-announces-2020-24-capital-program-projects-scheduled-award-2020 March 28, 2021 By February 2021, funding had been committed to accessibility renovations at the 181st Street station.February 18, 2021 2021 Commitment & Completion Goals https://new.mta.info/document/30741 March 28, 2021 MTA Construction and Development 12 In December 2021, the MTA awarded a contract for the installation of elevators at eight stations, including the 181st Street station.Duggan Kevin Advocates raise oversight concerns as MTA eyes more private subway elevator maintenance amNewYork December 12, 2021 https://www.amny.com/transit/advocates-concerned-oversight-mta-private-elevator-maintenance/ July 26, 2022MTA announces historic investment in accessibility projects December 13, 2021 Mass Transit Magazine https://www.masstransitmag.com/technology/facilities/shelters-stations-fixtures-parking-lighting/press-release/21249977/mta-headquarters-mta-announces-historic-investment-in-accessibility-projects July 26, 2022 May 2022, work on the ADA-accessible elevators was scheduled to begin in September 2022; at the time, the project was scheduled to be completed in June 2023.https://new.mta.info/document/91616 Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting July 2022 July 25, 2022 November 10, 2018 32 Metropolitan Transportation Authority The platform elevators were eventually opened on December 7, 2023.MTA Announces 181 St A Station in Washington Heights Now Fully Accessible Metropolitan Transportation Authority December 7, 2023 https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-announces-181-st-station-washington-heights-now-fully-accessible December 8, 2023 Station layout GroundStreet levelExits and entrancesMezzanineMezzanineFare control, station agent, 181st Street escalators, tunnel to Overlook Terrace, Bennett Park elevatorsPlatform levelSide platform Northbound← newyork A toward NYCS Inwood–207th Street (NYCS 190th Street)Southbound← newyork A toward NYCS Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue, NYCS Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street, or NYCS Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard (NYCS 175th Street) →Side platform thumb|Mosaic name tablet thumb|Concourse level, facing south This underground station has two tracks and two side platforms.trackref trackbook3 The station is served by the A train at all times; the next station northbound is 190th Street while the next station southbound is 175th Street. The station's platforms are 660 ft m long, a typical length of station platforms built by the Independent Subway System (IND), and the vault containing the station is 50 ft m wide. The platform level contains a single barrel-vaulted ceiling.3 The outer walls of the platform level consist of tiled alcoves, slightly recessed within concrete arches. The station's tiles are colored maroon.4 This was part of a color-coded tile system used throughout the IND.August 22, 1932 Tile Colors a Guide in the New Subway; Decoration Scheme Changes at Each Express Stop to Tell Riders Where They Are en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/22/archives/tile-colors-a-guide-in-the-new-subway-decoration-scheme-changes-at.html live July 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220701184626/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/22/archives/tile-colors-a-guide-in-the-new-subway-decoration-scheme-changes-at.html July 1, 2022 0362-4331 The tile colors were designed to facilitate navigation for travelers going away from Lower Manhattan. As such, the maroon tiles used at the 181st Street station are also used at 168th Street, the first express station to the south, as well as at other stations on the Eighth Avenue Line north of 168th Street.Carlson Jen February 18, 2016 Map: These Color Tiles In The Subway System Used To Mean Something https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/map-these-color-tiles-in-the-subway-system-used-to-mean-something May 10, 2023 GothamistGleason Will February 18, 2016 The hidden meaning behind the New York subway's colored tiles https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/the-hidden-meaning-behind-the-new-york-subways-colored-tiles-021816 May 10, 2023 Time Out New York Small maroon, black, and white mosaics with the number "181" are located within some of the alcoves. Within the alcoves that do not contain the "181" mosaic, there are black tiles with white numerals reading "181". The uptown platform has black-and-white signs for Yeshiva University.4 A pedestrian concourse is located above the platforms along the station's entire length, supported from the cemented barrel-vaulted ceiling by steel Y-shaped struts. This concourse connects the two mezzanines at the north and south ends of the station and has four steel-and-concrete stairs to each platform.4 There are metal railings along the concourse, from which the platforms can be seen.http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/181a/181a8.jpg The staircases in the middle of the platforms lead up to the mezzanine above Cox Jeremiah November 23, 2005 subwaynut.com August 2, 2017 August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170803045745/http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/181a/181a8.jpg deadhttp://www.subwaynut.com/ind/181a/181a6.jpg Floor view of the middle mezzanine Cox Jeremiah April 2, 2007 subwaynut.com August 2, 2017 August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170803045655/http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/181a/181a6.jpg deadhttp://www.subwaynut.com/ind/181a/181a5.jpg Looking down the railing of the mezzanine Cox Jeremiah November 11, 2004 subwaynut.com August 2, 2017 August 3, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170803085446/http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/181a/181a5.jpg dead The southern mezzanine has a station agent booth and storage rooms.5 Entrances and exits The 181st Street station has three entrances. Two of them are located at the top of a hill along Fort Washington Avenue: one between West 183rd and 185th Streets, across from Bennett Park, and the other at 181st Street. The third, at Overlook Avenue and 184th Street, is located at the bottom of a hill. The entrances at the 181st Street station were designed so as to not be sidewalk obstructions like those constructed by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company and the Brooklyn–Manhattan Transit Corporation, the two other subway operators in the city. To accomplish this goal, the entrance at Overlook Terrace was placed on city-owned property near the station, and the entrance at Fort Washington Avenue between 183rd and 185th Streets was placed in a building. The entrances at Fort Washington Avenue at 181st Street could not be erected within buildings. The entrance at Overlook Terrace leads to a 240 ft mid passageway to the northern mezzanine.5 This entrance is accessed from a single-story head house with a stepped roof and a facade of stone and ashlar. This headhouse contains two arches surrounded by interlacing diamond motifs; there are wooden doors within each arch. A backlit, Art Deco "Subway" sign is located above and in between the archways, atop a stone pedestal.5 The entrance on Fort Washington Avenue between 183rd and 185th Streets leads to three elevators that descend 100 ft to mezzanine level.5 It is entered from a single-story stone vestibule with a pointed diamond-shaped arch surrounded by an interlacing diamond motif.6183–184 The arch is surrounded by zigzag motifs, and there is a backlit Art Deco "Subway" sign above this arch.6184 In addition, four wooden doors are recessed within the entrance vestibule.6 The top of the entrance vestibule contains zigzagging horizontal lines.184 The vestibule leads to a slightly recessed masonry structure that rises two stories above the height of Fort Washington Avenue. The masonry structure forms the top of a seven-story mechanical structure with an emergency staircase, the three elevators, and the station's ventilation system.6 The entrance at Fort Washington Avenue and 181st Street consists of four stairs, two to each southern corner of the intersection.http://web.mta.info/maps/neighborhoods/mn/M21_washington_hts_2015.pdf MTA Neighborhood Maps: Washington Heights 2015 Metropolitan Transportation Authority July 29, 2016 April 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160418064554/http://web.mta.info/maps/neighborhoods/mn/M21_washington_hts_2015.pdf deadAugust 24, 1930 Maps Subway Exits To Ease Congestion en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1930/08/24/archives/maps-subway-exits-to-ease-congestion-committee-places-passageways.html subscription August 2, 2017 0362-4331 These stairs lead to a small landing immediately below the intersection, which in turn leads to the escalators that descend to the southern mezzanine.5 center horizontal 384 216 181st Street subway station entrance at 184th Street and Overlook Terrace.jpg Overlook Terrace entrance at West 184th Street 181st Street subway station, entrance on Fort Washington Avenue between 183rd and 185th Streets.jpg Fort Washington Avenue entrance between West 183rd and 185th Streets Elevators The highest natural point on Manhattan Island is in Bennett Park, adjacent to the station exit on Fort Washington Avenue between West 183rd and 185th Streets (along the axis of where West 184th Street would be located).Bennett Park Highest Natural Point in Manhattan https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/bennett-park/monuments/721 August 3, 2017 nycgovparks.org Because of the station's depth, long escalators lead to 181st Street at the south end, and elevators at the north end of the station carry passengers to the Bennett Park exit.Weiss Bernard October 29, 1932 The 181st Street Escalator. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/29/archives/the-181st-street-escalator.html subscription August 2, 2017 0362-4331 The elevators were formerly only open during the daytime and required the payment of a fare to use.August 7, 1939 Free Elevators In Subway Fought 13 The New York Times http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/08/07/94707478.html?pageNumber=13 subscription July 29, 2016 Since 1957, the elevators have not required the payment of a fare, so pedestrians traveling between Overlook Terrace and Fort Washington Avenue are allowed to use the elevators for free. There are also free elevators for pedestrians at 190th Street, the next station uptown, as well as at 191st Street on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line.Kurtz Josh August 12, 1991 Washington Heights Journal; A Subway Passageway Just for the Courageous The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/12/nyregion/washington-heights-journal-a-subway-passageway-just-for-the-courageous.html subscription July 30, 2016 0362-4331 Additional elevators were announced between the platforms and mezzanine in December 2019 as part of the agency's 2020–2024 Capital Programhttp://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/mta-announces-20-additional-subway-stations-receive-accessibility MTA Announces 20 Additional Subway Stations to Receive Accessibility Improvements Under Proposed 2020-2024 Capital Plan December 19, 2019 Metropolitan Transportation Authority December 24, 2019 New York City https://web.archive.org/web/20200421204344/http://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-headquarters/mta-announces-20-additional-subway-stations-receive-accessibility April 21, 2020 live and were completed in 2023, making the station ADA-accessible. Patrons with wheelchairs are able to traverse from this entrance to the passageway out to Overlook Terrace, as the elevators provide direct access to both the mezzanine and street level.6 A ramp bypasses a short set of steps between the Overlook Terrace entrance and the passageway, making that entrance ADA-accessible. There is a staircase available in case of an emergency.5175th-bus-terminal In popular culture thumb|right|250px|The upper mezzanine's elevator bank The station is mentioned in the title song of the Broadway musical In the Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda, where Usnavi says to take the A train "even farther than Harlem to Northern Manhattan and maintain, get off at 181st and take the escalator. I hope you're writing this down I'm gonna test ya later".Lin-Manuel Miranda – In the Heights Genius November 1, 2013 https://genius.com/Lin-manuel-miranda-in-the-heights-lyrics July 16, 2016 On September 13, 1980, aspiring pianist Eric Kaminsky was robbed and stabbed to death in the station. His murder became the basis for his mother's book The Victim's Song.Kaminsky, Alice. The Victim's Song. Buffalo: Prometheus Books, 1985. 0879752920. References External links http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Station:_181st_Street_(8th_Avenue) IND 8th Avenue 181st Street 181st Street entrance from Google Maps Street View Overlook Terrace entrance from Google Maps Street View Fort Washington Avenue entrance from Google Maps Street View Platform from Google Maps Street View y yes Category:1932 establishments in New York City Category:IND Eighth Avenue Line stations Category:New York City Subway stations in Manhattan Category:Railway and subway stations on the National Register of Historic Places in Manhattan Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1932 Category:Washington Heights, Manhattan Category:New York State Register of Historic Places in New York County