Slipping through the bustling crowds at Myrtle Avenue and Broadway, have you ever noticed the skeletal remains looming above? This, my friends, is the Myrtle Avenue Station. It whispers tales of a bygone era, a time when elevated trains crisscrossed Brooklyn’s skyline. The Myrtle Avenue Station officially opened on June 25, 1888, as part of the Union Elevated Railroad. It initially connected Gates Avenue to Driggs Avenue. Later, it extended to Broadway Ferry, offering a vital link across Brooklyn.
Myrtle Avenue Station isn’t just a single station. It boasts two levels. The lower level bustles with the J, M, and Z trains. The upper level, however, stands silent. A ghost of the past. This upper level once served the BMT Myrtle Avenue Line, carrying passengers to Downtown Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan via the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Imagine the rumble of trains overhead, the steam and the shouts of vendors below. This vibrant artery of the city pulsed with life until its closure on October 4, 1969. The B54 bus now serves as a replacement, a more mundane connection to Jay Street.
But the story of Myrtle Avenue Station doesn’t end there. This station has a starring role in popular culture. Recall the haunting scene in the 1990 film “Ghost”? Patrick Swayze’s character pursues his killer through this very station, the tension palpable in the dimly lit stairwells. The station also made a cameo appearance in Ini Kamoze’s 1994 music video, “Here Comes the Hotstepper,” a vibrant snapshot of 90s culture.
Today, Myrtle Avenue Station is undergoing a transformation. Accessibility upgrades are in progress, ensuring that this historic landmark can be enjoyed by everyone. New elevators are being installed as part of a larger initiative to modernize the city’s subway system. As you stand here, at the intersection of past and present, consider the countless journeys that have begun and ended at Myrtle Avenue Station. From the clatter of steam engines to the sleek modern trains, this station has witnessed the evolution of a city. Its story is etched into the steel beams, the faded signs, and the echoes of footsteps on the abandoned upper platform. So the next time you pass through Myrtle Avenue Station, take a moment to appreciate its rich history. It’s more than just a stop on your journey; it’s a window into the soul of Brooklyn.