Marvelous isn’t it? This charming building before us is the Control House on 72nd Street. It’s more than just a subway entrance. It’s a time capsule a relic of New York City’s first subway system.
Built in 1904 by the architectural firm Heins & LaFarge this Flemish-Renaissance beauty was designed to control passenger flow. Imagine the scene bustling crowds eager to descend into the city’s newly opened underground marvel. The building itself is a masterpiece. It sits on a granite foundation boasting buff-colored Roman brick. Limestone accents highlight its corners and windows. The copper roof gleams even today. Note the curved gables topped with terra-cotta coping and ball finials. The numerals 72 are proudly displayed within a terra-cotta cross on each gable.
But the Control House on 72nd Street isn’t just about aesthetics. It served a crucial function. Within its walls were token booths turnstiles and gates. Five stairways led down to the subway platforms below. This structure was one of only four original entrance control houses still standing a testament to its resilience.
Interestingly the Control House on 72nd Street wasn’t always appreciated. Newspaper articles from the early 1900s describe it as a “barnlike structure” and even a “mud fence.” Residents initially complained about its appearance. Yet today it’s a cherished landmark. It received significant renovations in 2002 by Page Ayres Cowley Architecture. A new entrance building was added in 1996. It stands as a remarkable blend of historic charm and modern functionality.
Now picture this. You are standing in 1904. You’re holding a newly minted subway token. You approach the Control House on 72nd Street. You pass through the ornate wrought-iron gates. You descend into the underground world the very first subway line in New York City. You are witnessing history in the making.
The Control House on 72nd Street is more than just an old building. It’s a portal to the past a symbol of New York’s innovative spirit and enduring legacy. It’s a beautiful building that stands the test of time. A perfect reminder of how much New York has changed and yet also how much has stayed the same.