Ready to explore a station with a double life? Welcome to Morris Park Station. It stands at Paulding Avenue and the Esplanade in the Bronx. This station has seen transitions and transformations.
Morris Park Station began its journey on May 29, 1912. It was a local stop on the New York Westchester and Boston Railway. This railway was a subsidiary of the New York New Haven and Hartford. Imagine trains running frequently between the Bronx and Westchester County.
The NYW&B tracks had a specific purpose. The outer tracks served local trains heading to Port Chester. Express trains used the inner tracks for White Plains. These trains ran on 11000 Volt alternating current. Look closely. You can still spot the cut-off catenary bridges. They stand as remnants of this electrified past.
Sadly, the NYW&B faced bankruptcy. Service ended on December 12, 1937. But the story of Morris Park Station didn’t end there.
The New York City Board of Transportation stepped in. They bought the NYW&B within the Bronx. After rehabilitation, a new chapter began. On May 15, 1941, shuttle service started. It ran between Dyre Avenue and East 180th Street.
Later, the Dyre Avenue Line connected to the White Plains Road Line. Through service started on May 6, 1957. This connection boosted ridership significantly. The northeast Bronx was developing rapidly.
Modernization was essential. In 1962, a plan for the Dyre Avenue Line was announced. This included extending platforms at Morris Park. The aim was to accommodate ten-car trains.
The platform extensions required some clever engineering. The bridge over Colden Avenue needed adjustments. Engineers trimmed the outboard plate girders. This ensured the platforms were above the girders.
Accidents happen. On November 24, 1979, an R22 car was involved in a rear-ending here.
Renovations continued. In 1992, the Bronx-bound platform closed for upgrades. New benches, lighting, and an improved electrical system were added. The station building also received a facelift.
The station’s appearance evolved over time. The platform walls once featured a red and blue skyline design. Later, they were painted beige. The original concrete exterior was replaced with steel and metal.
Morris Park Station gained recognition. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 6, 2005.
Today, the 5 train serves Morris Park Station at all times. The station has two side platforms. Four tracks run through it. The two center tracks are not regularly used.
The station’s layout is unique. It is partially underground and partially on an embankment. A 4000-foot tunnel runs under the Bronx and Pelham Parkway. This tunnel includes Pelham Parkway station.
Look for the emblem of the NYW&B. The caduceus is visible on the concrete facade. It’s a nod to the station’s origins.
The station’s entrance is at Esplanade and Paulding Avenue. The head house showcases Spanish Mission style architecture. Alfred T. Fellheimer, also lead architect for Grand Central Terminal, designed it.
There once was another exit. It led to Colden Avenue. It is now bricked over.
Morris Park Station stands as a testament to transit history. It has adapted to changing needs while retaining its unique character. From railway to subway, it continues to serve the Bronx.