View source for 14th Street/Eighth Avenue station

{{Short description|New York City Subway station in Manhattan}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox NYCS
| name = 14 Street/8 Avenue
| image = 111 8th Av IND jeh.jpg
| image_caption = Street entrance inside [[111 Eighth Avenue]]
| type = complex
| accessible = yes
| division = BMT/IND
| line = [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]]<br>[[BMT Canarsie Line]]
| service = 14th Eighth
| address = Eighth Avenue &amp; West 14th Street<br>New York, New York
| borough = [[Manhattan]]
| locale = [[West Village, Manhattan|West Village]], [[Chelsea, Manhattan|Chelsea]]
| coordinates = {{coord|40.739779|N|74.002533|W|display=inline,title}}
| levels = 2
| connection = {{bus icon}} [[NYCT Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|M12|M14A SBS|M14D SBS|M20}}
| structure = Underground
| open_date = {{start date and age|1932|09|10|p=y}}<ref name=Opening/>
| legend = {{NYCS infobox legend|allexceptnights}}{{NYCS infobox legend|alltimes}}
}}

The '''14th Street/Eighth Avenue station''' is an underground [[New York City Subway]] [[metro station|station]] complex shared by the [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]] and the [[BMT Canarsie Line]]. Located at [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]] and [[14th Street (Manhattan)|14th Street]] in [[Manhattan]], the station is served by the [[A (New York City Subway service)|A]], [[E (New York City Subway service)|E]], and [[L (New York City Subway service)|L]] trains at all times and the [[C (New York City Subway service)|C]] train at all times except late nights.

The whole complex is [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|ADA-compliant]], with an accessible station entrance at 14th Street. This complex was renovated at the beginning of the 21st century. There are several [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|MTA]] [[New York City Transit Authority]] training facilities located in the mezzanine. The station complex contains an artwork by [[Tom Otterness]] called ''[[Life Underground]]'', which features whimsical bronze sculptures, including a [[sewer alligator]], scattered about the station.

== History ==

=== Construction and opening ===
The [[Dual Contracts]], which called for the expansion of the [[New York City Subway]] system, were formalized in early 1913.<ref name="nyt19130319">{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1913 |title=Money Set Aside for New Subways; Board of Estimate Approves City Contracts to be Signed To-day with Interboro and B.R.T. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/03/19/104910612.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707225820/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/03/19/104910612.pdf |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> As part of the Dual Contracts, the [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company]] (later the [[Brooklyn–Manhattan Transit Corporation]], or BMT) was to construct a subway from [[14th Street (Manhattan)|14th Street]] in [[Manhattan]] to [[Canarsie, Brooklyn|Canarsie]] in [[Brooklyn]]; this became the BMT's [[BMT Canarsie Line|Canarsie Line]]. [[Booth and Flinn]] was awarded the contract to construct the line on January 13, 1916.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 14, 1916 |title=East River Tunnel Contract Awarded |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/01/14/archives/east-river-tunnel-contract-awarded-booth-flinn-who-will-do-the-work.html |access-date=February 28, 2010}}</ref> [[Clifford Milburn Holland]] served as the engineer-in-charge during the construction.<ref>{{cite news |last=Aronson |first=Michael |date=June 15, 1999 |title=The Digger Clifford Holland |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/1999/06/15/1999-06-15_the_digger_clifford_holland.html |access-date=July 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705231930/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/digger-clifford-holland-article-1.821506 |archive-date=July 5, 2017}}</ref> The line opened in phases, reaching [[Sixth Avenue (BMT Canarsie Line)|Sixth Avenue]] in 1924.<ref name="nyt-1924-07-01">{{Cite news |date=1924-07-01 |title=Celebrate Opening of Subway Link; Civic and City Officials Ride in First Train Over 14th St. Line to Brooklyn. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/07/01/archives/celebrate-opening-of-subway-link-civic-and-city-officials-ride-in.html |access-date=2023-04-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Meanwhile, New York City mayor [[John Francis Hylan]]'s original plans for the [[Independent Subway System]] (IND), proposed in 1922, included building over {{convert|100|mi}} of new lines and taking over nearly {{convert|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.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 4, 1923 |title=Two Subway Routes Adopted by City |page=9 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/08/04/archives/two-subway-routes-adopted-by-city-estimate-board-accepts-wash.html |access-date=August 1, 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=March 12, 1924 |title=Plans Now Ready to Start Subways |page=1 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/03/12/archives/plans-now-ready-to-start-subways-commission-notifies-city-it-can.html |access-date=August 1, 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On December 9, 1924, the [[New York City Board of Transportation]] (BOT) gave preliminary approval for the construction of the [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]].<ref name="nyt19241210">{{cite news |date=December 10, 1924 |title=Hylan Subway Plan Links Four Boroughs at $450,000,000 Cost |page=1 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/12/10/archives/hylan-subway-plan-links-four-boroughs-at-450000000-cost-manhattan.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-url=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 |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> This line consisted of a corridor connecting [[Inwood, Manhattan]], to [[Downtown Brooklyn]], running largely under [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]] but also paralleling [[Greenwich Avenue]] and [[Sixth Avenue]] in Lower Manhattan.<ref name="nyt19241210" /><ref name="Raskin-RoutesNotTaken-2013">{{Cite Routes Not Taken}}</ref> The BOT announced a list of stations on the new line in February 1928, with an express station at 14th Street.<ref name=p1113431477>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1113431477}} |title=Express and Local Stations For New Eighth Avenue Line |date=5 Feb 1928 |page=B1 |work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646}}</ref>

==== BMT station ====
In the years after the Canarsie Line opened, it saw extremely high ridership, prompting the Central Mercantile Association<ref>{{Cite news |date=1926-05-01 |title=Asks Subway Extension; Mercantile Association Wants 14th Street Line to Run to 8th Avenue. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/05/01/archives/asks-subway-extension-mercantile-association-wants-14th-street-line.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the 14th Street Association to request that the line be extended west to Eighth Avenue.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1926-08-11 |title=Urges Nassau St. Subway; H.P. Beach Again Pleads for 14th Street Extension Also. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/08/11/archives/urges-nassau-st-subway-hp-beach-again-pleads-for-14th-street.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In July 1927, New York City comptroller [[Charles W. Berry]] proposed extending the Canarsie Line to Eighth Avenue, and adding a transfer to the proposed IND station there, as part of a 16-point plan to reduce congestion in the New York City Subway system.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1927-07-22 |title=16 Ways to Relieve Subway Congestion Offered by Berry; Controller Urges More Cars at Once, Longer Platforms and Transfers at Vital Points |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/07/22/archives/16-ways-to-relieve-subway-congestion-offered-by-berry-controller.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1132646213">{{cite news |date=22 Jul 1927 |title=Berry Terms Unity and Cars Subway Needs: Comptroller Submits 17 Recommendations for Improvement, Based on St.Louis Expert's Report Rush-Hour Transfer Exchange Proposed Wants Old Lines Linked to City's New Ones, Riders Delaying Trains Arrested Reports on Subicay Ills |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1132646213}}}}</ref> Members of the 14th Street Association even proposed extending the line further west, under the [[Hudson River]] to [[New Jersey]].<ref name="p1727876544">{{cite magazine |date=Jul 9, 1928 |title=Realty News: May Run Crosstown 14th St. Line To N. J. |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |volume=37 |issue=6 |pages=23 |id={{ProQuest|1727876544}}}}</ref>

The Transit Commission notified the BMT in March 1928 that it had approved the extension of the Canarsie Line two blocks under 14th Street, from Sixth to Eighth Avenue; this would allow the line to connect with the new IND subway.<ref name="p1113346354">{{cite news |date=15 Mar 1928 |title=Subway To Be Extended |page=6 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113346354}}}}</ref> By July 1928, the BOT was planning to award contracts for a two-block extension of the Canarsie Line.<ref name="n123655469">{{Cite news |date=1928-07-07 |title=Begin Operation of New Subway on July 14 Commission Decides |pages=42 |work=The Chat |location=Brooklyn |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123655469/begin-operation-of-new-subway-on-july/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="n123655766">{{Cite news |date=1928-07-07 |title=Subway Opening Planned |pages=6 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123655766/subway-opening-planned/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The same month, D. C. Serber submitted a low bid of $3.16 million.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1928-07-25 |title=Subway Bids Submitted; Lowest Offer for 14th St.-Eastern Extension is $3,160,000. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/07/25/archives/subway-bids-submitted-lowest-offer-for-14th-steastern-extension-is.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The extension was the final portion of the Canarsie Line that the BMT was required to build as part of the Dual Contracts. The BOT hoped that the extension would help relieve congestion at the [[Canal Street station (New York City Subway)|Canal Street station]] in lower Manhattan.<ref name="n123655766" /> After the [[New York City Board of Estimate]] approved the extension in August 1928, local civic group 14th Street Merchants' Association wrote a letter to mayor [[Jimmy Walker]], expressing its support for the extension.<ref name="nyt-1928-08-20">{{Cite news |date=1928-08-20 |title=B.M.T. Link to New Subway Praised as Traffic Relief |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/08/20/archives/bmt-link-to-new-subway-praised-as-traffic-relief.html |access-date=2023-04-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> That September, the BOT awarded a $3.15 million contract for the construction of the extension.<ref name="n123655418">{{Cite news |date=1929-01-02 |title=Transit Board Report Shows Jump Over '27 |pages=4 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123655418/transit-board-report-shows-jump-over-27/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1930-10-11">{{Cite news |date=1930-10-11 |title=Subway Contractors Face Bankruptcy Suit; Receiver Asked for D.C. Serber, Inc., Which Defaulted on 14th St. B.M.T. Line. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/10/11/archives/subway-contractors-face-bankruptcy-suit-receiver-asked-for-dc.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

During the extension's construction, in November 1929, a section of temporary sidewalk collapsed into an excavation for the subway tunnel, injuring four people.<ref name="nyt-1929-11-12">{{Cite news |date=1929-11-12 |title=4 Sightseers Buried as Subway Caves in; Plunged Into Deep Excavation in 14th St. When 50 Feet of Planking Collapses |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/11/12/archives/4-sightseers-buried-as-subway-caves-in-plunged-into-deep-excavation.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1111675621">{{cite news |date=12 Nov 1929 |title=Subway Cave-In Engulfs 4, Opens 14th St. Cavern: Blast Shatters B. M. T. Link, Imperiling Thousands |page=2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1111675621}}}}</ref> The BOT began soliciting bids for the station's finishes in June 1930.<ref name="n123714090">{{Cite news |date=1930-07-30 |title=New Subway Borough Link Plans Rushed |pages=5 |work=The Standard Union |location=Brooklyn |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123714090/new-subway-borough-link-plans-rushed/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Construction was halted temporarily the same month when D. C. Serber, the contractor in charge of building the extension, found itself unable to pay a salary to 300 workers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1930-06-21 |title=Defaults on Subway Job; D.C. Serber, Unable to Meet Payroll on 14th Street Extension. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/06/21/archives/defaults-on-subway-job-dc-serber-unable-to-meet-payroll-on-14th.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> D. C. Serber filed for bankruptcy in October 1930, and a [[Receivership|receiver]] was appointed to complete the project.<ref name="nyt-1930-10-11" /> The Eighth Avenue station of the Canarsie Line opened on May 30, 1931,<ref name="Chambers3">{{cite news |date=May 30, 1931 |title=Mayor Drives Train in New Subway Link |page=6 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/05/30/archives/mayor-drives-train-in-new-subway-link-the-mayor-becomes-a-motorman.html |access-date=May 3, 2020 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1114103146">{{cite news |date=30 May 1931 |title=Walker Operates First Train in Nassau St. Loop: Tests Out Whistle Before Sudden Stop for Which Instructor Takes Blame New B. M. T. System Link Other Officials at Opening of $10,000,000 Subway Nassau Street Subway Is Formally Opened |page=3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114103146}}}}</ref> and was the last station to open on the line.<ref name="n123656471">{{Cite news |date=1931-05-29 |title=New Subway Connection |pages=6 |work=Times Union |location=Brooklyn |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123656471/new-subway-connection/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="n123656529">{{Cite news |date=1931-05-29 |title=New Subway Called World's Most Costly |pages=2 |work=The Standard Union |location=Brooklyn |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123656529/new-subway-called-worlds-most-costly/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Local civic groups believed the opening of the Canarsie Line extension would lead to increased business on 14th Street, which already carried more passengers than other major crosstown corridors in Manhattan.<ref name="p1653451690">{{cite magazine |date=May 25, 1931 |title=14th Street Subway Unit, Opening Saturday, Seen Important To Merchants |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |volume=42 |issue=101 |pages=28 |id={{ProQuest|1653451690}}}}</ref>

==== IND station ====
Most of the Eighth Avenue Line was dug using a cheap [[cut-and-cover]] method.<ref name="Galloway. 1931">{{cite news |last=Warner |first=Arthur |date=November 22, 1931 |title=The City's New Underground Province; The Eighth Avenue Subway Will Be Not Only a Transit Line but a Centre for the Shopper A New Underground Province of New York The Eighth Avenue Subway Will Be a Rapid Transit Line With Innovations and Will Provide Centres for the Shoppers |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/11/22/archives/the-citys-new-underground-province-the-eighth-avenue-subway-will-be.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503050550/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/11/22/archives/the-citys-new-underground-province-the-eighth-avenue-subway-will-be.html |archive-date=May 3, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1113431484">{{cite news |last=Daly |first=William Jerome |date=February 5, 1928 |title=New Subway Work Far Advanced, From the Circle to 207th Street: Small Section Near St. Nicholas Avenue and 148th Street Being Constructed |page=B1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1113431484}}}}</ref> At the 14th Street station, the Eighth Avenue Line passed above the under-construction Canarsie Line, and the Eighth Avenue Line station was designed to permit a possible future extension of the Canarsie Line.<ref name="p1113431484" /> The finishes at the four stations between 14th and [[42nd Street station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|42nd Street]] were 21 percent completed by May 1930.<ref name="nyt-1930-05-26">{{Cite news |date=1930-05-26 |title=Progress is Rapid on 8th Av. Subway; Board's Engineers Report Spurt in Building Is Likely to Open the Line in July, 1930 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/26/archives/progress-is-rapid-on-8th-av-subway-boards-engineers-report-spurt-in.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> By that August, the BOT reported that the Eighth Avenue Line was nearly completed and that the four stations from 14th to 42nd Street were 99.8 percent completed.<ref name="nyt-1930-08-24">{{Cite news |date=1930-08-24 |title=Eighth Av. Subway Nearly Completed; Basic Construction Work From Chambers to 207th St. Done Except on Few Short Stretches |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/08/24/archives/eighth-av-subway-nearly-completed-basic-construction-work-from.html |access-date=2023-03-15 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The entire line was completed by September 1931, except for the installation of turnstiles.<ref name="p1331181357">{{cite news |last=O'Brien |first=John C. |date=9 Sep 1931 |title=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 |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1331181357}}}}</ref>

A preview event for the new subway was hosted on September 8, 1932, two days before the official opening.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 9, 1932 |title=Sightseers Invade New Subway When Barricade Is lifted |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/sightseers-invade-new-subway-when-barricade-is-lifted.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701191612/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/sightseers-invade-new-subway-when-barricade-is-lifted.html |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1125436641">{{cite news |date=September 9, 1932 |title=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 |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1125436641}}}}</ref> The 14th Street station opened on September 10, 1932, as part of the city-operated IND's initial segment, the Eighth Avenue Line between [[Chambers Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Chambers Street]] and [[Inwood–207th Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|207th Street]].<ref name="Opening">{{cite news |last1=Crowell |first1=Paul |date=September 10, 1932 |title=Gay Midnight Crowd Rides First Trains In The New Subway: Throngs at Station an Hour Before Time, Rush Turnstiles When Chains are Dropped |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/09/10/100849529.pdf |access-date=November 8, 2015}}</ref><ref name="p1114839882">{{cite news |last=Sebring |first=Lewis B. |date=10 Sep 1932 |title=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 |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114839882}}}}</ref> There was a direct connection with the BMT station at 14th Street and Eighth Avenue.<ref name="nyt-1932-09-09">{{Cite news |date=September 9, 1932 |title=City to Open Subway in 8th Av. Tonight; Crowds Visit Tube; First Line in Huge Municipal Network to Take First Nickel One Minute After Midnight |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/city-to-open-subway-in-8th-av-tonight-crowds-visit-tube-first-line.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006235819/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/city-to-open-subway-in-8th-av-tonight-crowds-visit-tube-first-line.html |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1114749813">{{cite news |last=Lynch |first=Denis Tilden |date=September 11, 1932 |title=Eighth Avenue Subway Clears Way for New Progress on West Side |page=J1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114749813}}}}</ref> The 14th Street station was the only stop on the Eighth Avenue Line that provided a free transfer to another subway line, the Canarsie Line, from the outset.<ref name="p1331181357" /> The ''New York Herald Tribune'' described the 14th Street station as one of three "showplaces" on the new IND line, the others being the [[59th Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|59th Street]] and [[42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|42nd Street]] stations.<ref name="p1114749813" />

The construction of the Eighth Avenue Line caused real-estate values along Eighth Avenue to increase by as much as 400&nbsp;percent.<ref name="p1113474993">{{cite news |date=29 Jul 1928 |title=Eighth Avenue Site Enhanced 400 Per Cent: Parcel Offered for $2,000 a Front Foot Seven Years Ago Now Worth $10,000 Great Changes Predicted Subway Under Construction Han Opened New Future |page=D2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113474993}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1928-08-26">{{Cite news |date=1928-08-26 |title=Eighth Av. Gradually Emerging From Its Chaotic Condition; New Pavement Likely to Be Finished by End of Year--Building Has Continued Active in Midtown Section Despite Upheaval Due to New Subway Construction. New Building Work. Sidewalk Paving. Big Advance in Values. Subway Work Progress. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/08/26/archives/eighth-av-gradually-emerging-from-its-chaotic-condition-new.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The IND and BMT station at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and 14th Street, in particular, had spurred the growth of business around that intersection, including the construction of a building for the New York County Trust Company on the northeastern corner.<ref name="p1113208482">{{cite news |last=Long |first=Ralph |date=7 Sep 1930 |title=Lower 8th Ave. Is Winning Big Business: Banking, Shipping People Among Those Crowding Out Oldtime Merchants Higher Values Must Result Strategical Position Explains Growth of District |page=E10 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113208482}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1931-03-08">{{Cite news |date=1931-03-08 |title=Lower 8th Avenue Shows Big Change; Tall Apartments and Inland Terminal Wiping Out Old-time Building |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/03/08/archives/lower-8th-avenue-shows-big-change-tall-apartments-and-inland.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Companies and agencies such as the [[New York Central Railroad]] and the [[Port of New York Authority]] were relocating to the area, which according to the ''[[New York Herald Tribune]]'' had previously been an area "of a mixed residential and business character and of ancient and obsolete structural condition".<ref name="p1113208482" />

=== Later years ===

==== 1990s renovation ====
In April 1993, the [[New York State Legislature]] agreed to give the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA) $9.6 billion for capital improvements. Some of the funds would be used to renovate nearly one hundred New York City Subway stations,<ref name="n123677736">{{Cite news |last=Benenson |first=Joel |date=1993-04-01 |title=Albany deal to save the $1.25 fare |pages=1059 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123677736/albany-deal-to-save-the-125-farejoel/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1993-04-03">{{Cite news |last=Faison |first=Seth |date=1993-04-03 |title=$9.6 Billion Package for M.T.A. Is Crucial to its Rebuilding Plans |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/03/nyregion/article-269693-no-title.html |access-date=2023-04-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> including both stations in the 14th Street/Eighth Avenue complex.<ref name="n123677942">{{Cite news |date=1993-05-28 |title=Stop the Fussing |pages=56 |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123677942/stop-the-fussing/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> On August 24, 1993, the contract for the project's design was awarded for $994,079. In May 1994, a supplemental agreement worth $203,435 was reached to allow the consultant to design the New York City Transit training facility to be compliant with the [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990]]. As part of the project's design, multiple options were considered to improve the station, including the construction of a free transfer zone between the Eighth Avenue and Canarsie Lines.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|C-55, C-56}} As part of the supplemental agreement, the consultant, Day and Zimmermann International Inc.,<ref name="p313691443">{{cite news |last=Donohue |first=Pete |date=14 June 1999 |title=Stuck in the Station / Subway Rehab Years Late, Way Over Budget |page=5 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313691443}}}}</ref> was directed to design it.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=NYC Transit Committee Agenda May 1994|date=May 16, 1994|publisher=New York City Transit}}</ref>{{Rp|C-55, C-56}}

Citing security concerns, the MTA proposed closing an entrance at 15th Street as part of the renovation, but this prompted complaints from local residents.<ref name="nyt-1994-07-10">{{Cite news |last=Howe |first=Marvine |date=1994-07-10 |title=Neighborhood Report: the Villages; Would 15th Street Be Lost for Lack of a Subway Entrance? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/10/nyregion/neighborhood-report-villages-would-15th-street-be-lost-for-lack-subway-entrance.html |access-date=2023-04-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> For the same reason, the MTA closed two staircases at Eighth Avenue and 17th Street in 1995. To compensate for the removal of the 17th Street staircases, the MTA proposed adding three stairways at Eighth Avenue and 16th Street.<ref name="nyt-1996-06-09">{{Cite news|last=Ramirez|first=Anthony|date=1996-06-09|title=Neighborhood Report: Chelsea; Cornered In by Subway Plans|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/09/nyregion/neighborhood-report-chelsea-cornered-in-by-subway-plans.html|access-date=2023-04-28|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The original plans called for two staircases at the northeast corner of the intersection, but the MTA decided to add only one staircase there after receiving objections from the owners of a building at that corner. Community members also advocated for the closure of an exit-only staircase at Eighth Avenue and 15th Street, citing concerns about crime and drug use.<ref name="nyt-1997-04-13">{{Cite news|last=Ramirez|first=Anthony|date=1997-04-13|title=New Stairwells for Renovated Subway Station Have Tempers Climbing|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/13/nyregion/new-stairwells-for-renovated-subway-station-have-tempers-climbing.html|access-date=2023-04-28|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

The project was originally supposed to cost $34.3 million and be completed by June 1998.<ref name="p313691443" /> By 1999, the project was running two years behind schedule.<ref name="p313691443" /><ref name="nyt-1999-06-15" /> A reporter for the ''New York Daily News'' wrote in June 1999: "The station recently featured hanging wires, closed passageways, a blasting jackhammer, areas blocked by plastic fencing and plywood walls."<ref name="p313691443" /> The MTA attributed the delays to the discovery of structural flaws and poor design work.<ref name="nyt-1999-06-15">{{Cite news |last=Lueck |first=Thomas J. |date=1999-06-15 |title=Satellite Tracking System Planned for Buses, but Subway Renovations Drag On |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/15/nyregion/satellite-tracking-system-planned-for-buses-but-subway-renovations-drag-on.html |access-date=2023-04-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

=== Service history ===
When the 14th Street station on the IND Eighth Avenue Line opened, the station was served by express ([[A (New York City Subway service)|A]]) and local ([[AA (New York City Subway service)|AA]]) trains between Chambers and 207th Street.<ref name="Chambers2">{{cite news |date=September 10, 1932 |title=Gay Midnight Crowd Rides First Trains in New Subway |page=1 |work=The New York Times |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0D13F7395513738DDDA90994D1405B828FF1D3 |url-status=live |access-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912162150/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0D13F7395513738DDDA90994D1405B828FF1D3 |archive-date=September 12, 2012 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> After the [[IND Concourse Line]] opened on July 1, 1933,<ref>{{cite news |date=July 1, 1933 |title=New Bronx Subway Starts Operation |page=15 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/07/01/archives/new-bronx-subway-starts-operation-40000000-branch-of-city-system.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227133855/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/07/01/archives/new-bronx-subway-starts-operation-40000000-branch-of-city-system.html |archive-date=December 27, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the [[C (New York City Subway service)|C]] express and [[CC (New York City Subway service)|CC]] local trains started serving the station, running via the Concourse Line, while the AA was discontinued.<ref>{{cite map|publisher=[[New York City Board of Transportation]]|url=http://images.nycsubway.org/maps/ind_1937.pdf|title=Station Guide, Independent City Owned Rapid Transit Railroad|date=c. 1937|access-date=June 20, 2022|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023002151/http://images.nycsubway.org/maps/ind_1937.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[E (New York City Subway service)|E]] began using the local tracks on August 19, 1933, when the [[IND Queens Boulevard Line]] opened.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 18, 1933 |title=Two Subway Units Open at Midnight |page=17 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/18/archives/two-subway-units-open-at-midnight-links-in-cityowned-system-in.html |access-date=June 29, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> IND service at the station was again modified in 1940, when AA service was resumed. During that time, the CC local train and the C express train ran only during rush hours.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 5, 1940 |title=6th Ave. Tube Adds Two New Services |page=27 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/05/archives/6th-ave-tube-adds-two-new-services-provides-express-facilities-to.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617194705/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/05/archives/6th-ave-tube-adds-two-new-services-provides-express-facilities-to.html |archive-date=June 17, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1247301813">{{cite news |date=December 15, 1940 |title=How Trains Run Now In Independent Subway |page=32A |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1247301813}}}}</ref> In 1985, the AA was relabeled the K;<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=1985 |title=Hey, What's a "K" train? 1985 Brochure |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/27733842265/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915071759/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292%40N06/27733842265/ |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=June 17, 2016 |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |via=Flickr}}</ref> the K train was discontinued in 1988.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_5hq0ippLSwC&q=Manhattan+Bridge |title=Annual Report on ... Rapid Routes Schedules and Service Planning |date=1989 |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |page=17 |language=en |access-date=March 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731182400/https://books.google.com/books?id=_5hq0ippLSwC&q=Manhattan+Bridge&dq=%221983%22+%22new+york+city+transit%22+brooklyn+service+change&source=gbs_word_cloud_r&cad=4 |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Eighth Avenue station on the BMT Canarsie Line has served trains to Canarsie ever since the station's opening.<ref name="NYCDCP-BwayJctStudy-2008">{{cite web |date=November 2008 |title=Broadway Junction Transportation Study: NYC Department of City Planning Final Report-November 2008 |url=http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/plans/transportation/broadway_junction_complete.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606140932/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/transportation/broadway_junction_complete.pdf |archive-date=June 6, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2015 |website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]] |publisher=[[New York City Department of City Planning]]}}</ref>{{Rp|page=14}} Trains between Eighth Avenue and Canarsie were numbered 16 until the 1960s, when it became the LL;<ref name="NYCDCP-BwayJctStudy-2008" />{{Rp|page=16}} it was again relabeled in 1985 as the L.<ref name=":2" /> Starting on September 23, 1936, express trains ran from Eighth Avenue to [[Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard station|Lefferts Boulevard]] in [[Queens]].<ref>{{cite web |date=September 21, 1936 |title=B.M.T. To Speed Up Queens Service; New Multi-Section Cars to Be Used for Special Rush-Hour Trips Starting Wednesday. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/09/21/archives/bmt-to-speed-up-queens-service-new-multisection-cars-to-be-used-for.html |access-date=April 16, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> This service, numbered 17, was discontinued in 1956.<ref name="NYCDCP-BwayJctStudy-2008" />{{Rp|page=16}}

===Incidents===
On April 18, 2004, an L train collided with the bumper block after the operator suffered a possible seizure.<ref name="nycsCanarsie">{{Cite web|title=L train hits 8th Av bumper block, 2004|url=https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?40646}}</ref>

On September 20, 2020, a northbound [[A (New York City Subway service)|A]] train derailed at the IND station when a homeless man clamped wooden planks onto the roadbed, causing the train to derail. Three passengers were injured.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 20, 2020|title=NYC Subway Service to Resume After Suspect Derails Train With Debris, Injuring 3|url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/train-derails-in-nyc-station-3-passengers-injured-ems-says/2626627/|access-date=2020-09-22|website=NBC New York|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Tracy|first1=Thomas|last2=Parascandola|first2=Rocco|last3=Parnell|first3=Wes|last4=Guse|first4=Clayton|date=September 20, 2020|title=Manhattan subway train derails after laughing saboteur throws metal clamps on tracks: police sources|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-train-derails-after-unhinged-straphanger-throws-object-onto-tracks-20200920-gdtnd5ngkfcuhoeq566csuxx3i-story.html|access-date=2020-09-22|website=New York Daily News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=WABC|date=2020-09-22|title=Arrest made in subway derailment caused by train striking debris on tracks in Manhattan|url=https://abc7ny.com/6463446/|access-date=2020-09-22|website=ABC7 New York|language=en}}</ref>

==Station layout==
{|table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;border-top:solid 1px gray;" width=50|'''G'''
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" width=150|Street level
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" width=600|Exit/entrance
|-
|'''B1'''
|Upper mezzanine
|Fare control, station agents<br>{{NYCS Platform Layout access}}
|-
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;vertical-align:top;" rowspan=6|'''B2'''
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;"|<span style="color:#{{rcr|NYCS|blue}}">'''Northbound local'''</span>
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;"|← {{rint|newyork|C}} toward {{stl|NYCS|168th Street|Eighth}} <small>({{stl|NYCS|23rd Street|Eighth}})</small><br>← {{rint|newyork|E}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer}} <small>(23rd Street)</small><br>← {{rint|newyork|A}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Inwood–207th Street}} late nights <small>(23rd Street)</small>
|-
|style="border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|{{small|[[Island platform]] {{access icon}}}}
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|<span style="color:#{{rcr|NYCS|blue}}">'''Northbound express'''</span>
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|← {{rint|newyork|A}} toward Inwood–207th Street <small>({{stl|NYCS|34th Street–Penn Station|Eighth}})</small>
|-
|<span style="color:#{{rcr|NYCS|blue}}">'''Southbound express'''</span>
|{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|A}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue}}, {{stl|NYCS|Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street}}, or {{stl|NYCS|Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard}} <small>({{stl|NYCS|West Fourth Street–Washington Square}})</small> →
|-
|style="border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|{{small|[[Island platform]] {{access icon}}}}
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|<span style="color:#{{rcr|NYCS|blue}}">'''Southbound local'''</span>
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|C}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Euclid Avenue}} <small>(West Fourth Street–Washington Square)</small> →<br>{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|E}} toward {{stl|NYCS|World Trade Center}} <small>(West Fourth Street–Washington Square)</small> →<br>{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|A}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue}} late nights <small>(West Fourth Street–Washington Square)</small> →
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|'''B3'''
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Lower mezzanine
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Ramp from upper mezzanine to {{NYCS Canarsie Manhattan|time=bullets}} platforms
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;vertical-align:top;" rowspan=3|'''B4'''
|<span style=color:#{{rcr|NYCS|gray}}>'''Track 2'''</span>
|{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|L}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway}} <small>({{NYCS Platform Layout BMT Canarsie Line/next}})</small> →
|-
|style="border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|{{small|[[Island platform]] {{access icon}}}}
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|<span style=color:#{{rcr|NYCS|gray}}>'''Track 1'''</span>
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|L}} toward Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway <small>({{NYCS Platform Layout BMT Canarsie Line/next}})</small> →
|}
The 14th Street/Eighth Avenue station consists of 14th Street, an express station on the Eighth Avenue Line, and Eighth Avenue, a terminal station on the Canarsie Line.<ref name="DCP-2005">{{Cite book |url=https://www.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/plans/west-chelsea/wc_chap17_transitpeds_feis.pdf |title=Special West Chelsea District Rezoning and High Line Open Space EIS |date=2005 |publisher=New York City Department of City Planning |chapter=17: Transit and Pedestrians |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref>{{rp|page=3}} The two stations are perpendicular to each other, with the Eighth Avenue Line above the Canarsie Line. The 14th Street station on the Eighth Avenue Line runs north–south and consists of a [[mezzanine]] and two [[island platform]]s. The Eighth Avenue station on the Canarsie Line runs west–east and consists of one island platform.<ref name="DCP-2005" />{{rp|page=7}}

=== Artwork ===
The artwork in this station, ''[[Life Underground]]'', was designed by [[Tom Otterness]], and was installed in 2001.<ref name=":1" /> It features whimsical bronze sculptures, including a [[sewer alligator]], scattered about the station.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=14th Street/Eight Avenue - Tom Otterness - Life Underground, 2001|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/aft/permanentart/permart.html?agency=nyct&line=L&station=9&xdev=737|website=web.mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503064925/http://web.mta.info/mta/aft/permanentart/permart.html?agency=nyct&line=L&station=9&xdev=737|archive-date=May 3, 2020|access-date=May 3, 2020}}</ref> Otterness had originally been contracted to sculpt 20 bronze figures, which were to have been installed in 1998.<ref name="nyt-1997-09-21">{{Cite news |last=Cembalest |first=Robin |date=1997-09-21 |title=Art; Public Sculpture the Public Likes. Really. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/21/arts/art-public-sculpture-the-public-likes-really.html |access-date=2023-04-30 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> During the late 1990s, some of the individual pieces were put on public display at [[Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan)|Grand Army Plaza]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cotter |first=Holland |date=1996-08-09 |title=Sculpture That Basks in Summer |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/09/arts/sculpture-that-basks-in-summer.html |access-date=2023-04-30 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p291245147">{{cite news |last=de Pommereau |first=Isabelle |date=25 July 1996 |title=Sculpted Subway Scenes Elicit Chuckles, Insights From Passersby |page=11 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |id={{ProQuest|291245147}}}}</ref> and in [[Battery Park City]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Tom Otterness (American), 1952: Featured artist works, exhibitions and biography from Vered Gallery |url=http://www.artnet.com/Galleries/Artists_detail.asp?gid=1087&aid=12935 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525072705/http://www.artnet.com/Galleries/Artists_detail.asp?gid=1087&aid=12935 |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |access-date=October 26, 2007}}</ref> Approximately 25 of the pieces were finally installed at the end of 2000,<ref name="nyt-2001-03-02">{{Cite news |last=Vogel |first=Carol |date=2001-03-02 |title=Inside Art |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/02/books/inside-art.html |access-date=2023-04-30 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> with the other 30 sculptures installed by 2003.<ref name="nyt-2003-08-31">{{Cite news |last1=Fox |first1=Margalit |last2=Robinson |first2=George |date=2003-08-31 |title=F.Y.I. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/31/nyregion/fyi-112917.html |access-date=2023-04-30 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The entire project took 10 years from commissioning to the final completion of the installation.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 27, 2006 |title=The AI Interview: Tom Otterness |url=http://tomotterness.net/pdf/news_artinfo_200610.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724110831/http://tomotterness.net/pdf/news_artinfo_200610.pdf |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |access-date=October 24, 2007 |work=[[ARTINFO]]}}</ref>

From 1989 to 1995, an artwork by Ross Lewis could be found in the station. It is called ''Parallel Motion,'' and it shows images of moving bodies in the mezzanine drawn by brushstrokes using Chinese calligraphy. It is now situated in the lobby of Public School 89 in [[Battery Park City]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Parallel Motion|url=https://www.rosslewisstudio.com/copy-of-roto-sphere-3|website=Ross Lewis|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503070040/https://www.rosslewisstudio.com/copy-of-roto-sphere-3|archive-date=May 3, 2020|access-date=May 3, 2020}}</ref>

===Exits===
The entrances of the station complex are located at the intersections of Eighth Avenue and 14th, 15th, and 16th Streets.<ref name="DCP-2005" />{{rp|page=7}}<ref name="maps">{{cite web|title=MTA Neighborhood Maps: 14th Street (A)(C)(E)|url=https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2018-04/14_St_%28A%29%28C%29%28E%29_web.pdf|website=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|mta.info]]|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> The northernmost one has an unstaffed bank of turnstiles, two staircases going up to the northwest corner of 16th Street and Eighth Avenue, and one going up to each eastern side of the intersection. A passageway leads to the front entrance of [[111 Eighth Avenue]] (the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]] building now occupied by [[Google]]) at the southwest corner.<ref name=maps/> A sign on the sidewalk outside the building indicates that an entrance to the station is available inside of the building. On either side, at the center of the mezzanine, a set of full-height turnstiles lead to staircases going up to either northern corner of 15th Street and Eighth Avenue.<ref name=maps/>

The full-time fare control area is at the south end of the mezzanine. On the east side is the transfer passageway between the platforms containing a ramp, staircase, and elevator. A set of full-height turnstiles leads to a staircase going up to the northeast corner of 14th Street and 8th Avenue. The full-time turnstile bank has a token booth, two staircases to the southeast corner, two staircases to the southwest corner (outside the [[New York County National Bank Building]]), and one staircase and elevator to the northwest corner (outside the [[New York Savings Bank Building]]). There is a direct entrance/exit to the BMT platforms at one bank of turnstiles here.<ref name=maps/> This area also provides access to a signal training school for New York City Transit employees.

There was a fourth set of entrances located at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and 17th Street which have since been closed.<ref name="MTA-ReviewAC-2015">{{cite report|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf|title=Review of the A and C Lines|date=December 11, 2015|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=January 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203061138/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf|archive-date=February 3, 2020}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1996-06-09" />

{{Clear}}

== IND Eighth Avenue Line platforms ==

{{Infobox NYCS
| name = 14 Street
| image = 14th St–8th Av td (2019-01-03) 05.jpg
| caption = Brooklyn bound platform
| division = IND
| line = [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]]
| service = Eighth south
| platforms = 2 [[island platform]]s<br>[[cross-platform interchange]]
| tracks = 4
| accessible = yes
| open_date = {{start date and age|1932|09|10|p=y}}<ref name=Opening />
| hide_traffic = yes
| adjacent_stations = {{Adjacent stations|system=New York City Subway
|line1=Eighth express south|left1=34th Street–Penn Station|right1=West Fourth Street–Washington Square|note-left1={{NYCS Eighth express|time=1}}|note-right1={{NYCS Eighth|time=1}}|to-right1=southbound
|line2=Eighth local south|left2=23rd Street|right2=West Fourth Street–Washington Square|note-left2={{NYCS Eighth local|time=1}}|note-right2={{NYCS Eighth|time=1}}|to-right2=southbound}}
| legend = {{NYCS infobox legend|allexceptnights}}{{NYCS infobox legend|alltimes}}{{NYCS infobox legend|nightsonly}}
| layout = {{NYCS 4-tracked express station|inline=y
|deg=330
|1=23rd Street
|2=West Fourth Street–Washington Square
|l2=West Fourth Street
|3=34th Street–Penn Station
|code=IND Eighth Avenue Line
}}
}}
The '''14th Street station''' is an express station on the [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]] that has four tracks and two [[island platform]]s.<ref name="tracks">{{NYCS const|trackref|trackbook}}</ref> The station is served by the A<ref>{{NYCS const|timetable|a}}</ref> and E<ref>{{NYCS const|timetable|E}}</ref> trains at all times, as well as the C<ref>{{NYCS const|timetable|c}}</ref> train at all times except late nights. The C and E trains use the local tracks; the A train uses the express tracks during the daytime and the local tracks at night.<ref>{{NYCS const|serviceguide}}</ref> It is the southernmost Eighth Avenue Line station that is under [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]] itself. South of here, the line curves east to [[Sixth Avenue (Manhattan)|Sixth Avenue]] via Greenwich Avenue.<ref name="p1113431477" />

The walls of the station contain yellow tile bands<ref name="p1113177960">{{cite news |last=Harrington |first=John Walker |date=April 27, 1930 |title=New Municipal Subway System Galled Model in Construction and Plans for Operation |page=C3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113177960}}}}</ref> with darker yellow borders.<ref name="nyt-1932-08-22">{{Cite news |date=August 22, 1932 |title=Tile Colors a Guide in the New Subway; Decoration Scheme Changes at Each Express Stop to Tell Riders Where They Are |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/22/archives/tile-colors-a-guide-in-the-new-subway-decoration-scheme-changes-at.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=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 |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Since 14th Street is an express station, it originally had a wider tile band than local stations.<ref name="nyt-1932-08-22" /> The tile colors are intended to help riders identify their station more easily, part of a color-coded [[New York City Subway tiles|tile system]] for the entire Independent Subway System.<ref name="p1113177960" /><ref name="nyt-1932-08-22" /> The tile colors were designed to facilitate navigation for travelers going away from [[Lower Manhattan]]; on the Eighth Avenue Line, the tiles change color at the next express station to the north. As such, the yellow tiles used at the 14th Street station were also used on [[23rd Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|23rd Street]], the local station to the north; the next express station, [[34th Street–Penn Station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|34th Street–Penn Station]], used a different tile color.<ref name="Carlson 2016">{{cite web | last=Carlson | first=Jen | title=Map: These Color Tiles In The Subway System Used To Mean Something | website=Gothamist | date=February 18, 2016 | url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/map-these-color-tiles-in-the-subway-system-used-to-mean-something | access-date=May 10, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Gleason 2016">{{cite web | last=Gleason | first=Will | title=The hidden meaning behind the New York subway's colored tiles | website=Time Out New York | date=February 18, 2016 | url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/the-hidden-meaning-behind-the-new-york-subways-colored-tiles-021816 | access-date=May 10, 2023}}</ref> "14th" is written in black on the white tiles below the trim line. The original 1931 trim line was a three-tile, high, deep yellow-orange set without a border.

Both platforms have yellow I-beam-columns running along the center of the platform. There are many staircases and one elevator per platform leading up to the full-length mezzanine above, which has a trim line, name tablets, and columns that are held in the same style as the platform below.

{{Clear}}

== BMT Canarsie Line platform ==
{{Infobox NYCS
| name = 8 Avenue
| image = Eighth Avenue Canarsie vc.jpg
| image_caption = 
| division = BMT
| line = [[BMT Canarsie Line]]
| service = Canarsie Manhattan
| platforms = 1 [[island platform]]
| tracks = 2
| accessible = yes
| open_date = {{start date and age|1931|05|30|p=y}}
| opposite_transfer = N/A
| hide_traffic = yes
| adjacent_stations = {{Adjacent stations|system=New York City Subway
|line=Canarsie|right=Sixth Avenue}}
| legend = {{NYCS infobox legend|alltimes}}
| layout = {{NYCS 2-tracked terminal station
|1 = Sixth Avenue
|3r = y
|inline = y
|deg = 060
|space = y
|extra =
uABZg2\uABZg3
uABZg+1\uABZg+4
uSHI2gl\uSHI2gr
ubvvSTR
ubvvSTR
ubvvSTR
udSTR\udENDEe\udSTR
}}
}}
The '''Eighth Avenue station''' is the western ([[Railroad directions|railroad north]]) [[terminal station|terminal]] of the [[BMT Canarsie Line]] and has two tracks and one [[island platform]].<ref name="tracks" /><ref name="NYCDCP-BwayJctStudy-2008" />{{Rp|page=|pages=59–60}}  The station is served by the L train at all times.<ref name="ttl">{{NYCS const|timetable|L}}</ref>

Eighth Avenue uses a single island platform with two tracks.<ref name="nycs8ave">{{Cite web|title=8th Avenue - BMT Canarsie Lines|url=https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/BMT_Canarsie_Line#8th_Avenue|website=NYCSubway|access-date=May 3, 2020}}</ref> The platform is approximately {{convert|545|ft}} long and can fit nine {{convert|60|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}} cars.<ref name="NYCDCP-BwayJctStudy-2008" />{{Rp|page=58|pages=}}  The tracks end at [[bumper block]]s just past the west end of the platform. There are double crossovers east of the Eighth Avenue station, allowing terminating trains to access either track. Until [[Automation of the New York City Subway|automated train operation]] was implemented on the Canarsie Line in the 2010s, the switches were several hundred feet away from the end of the platform, and westbound trains were forced to enter the station extremely slowly.<ref name="NYCDCP-BwayJctStudy-2008" />{{Rp|page=|pages=59–60}}

The station was originally decorated in a more IND style than the rest of the Canarsie Line, which was built by the BMT. The original tile band was a two-tone ultramarine blue with "8th Av" captions.<ref name="nycs8ave"/> However, a 1999 renovation subsequently removed the IND style and replaced it with the BMT quilt-like tile pattern that exists on all other subway stations on the BMT Canarsie Line. The current tile color scheme is white with red stripes and mosaics held in beige and tan, with a pattern of red, yellow, green, and off-white in the center. To signify the station's location, there are small "8" decorations set in teal-green hexagons, as found in other stations on the line.<ref name="nycs8ave"/>

{{Clear}}

== Nearby points of interest ==

* [[Abingdon Square]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[Chelsea, Manhattan|Chelsea]] art galleries west of [[Tenth Avenue (Manhattan)|10th Avenue]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[Chelsea Market]]
* [[Chelsea Piers]] Sports Complex<ref name=maps/>
* The [[High Line]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[Hudson River Park]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[IAC Building]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[Jackson Square Park]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[Meatpacking District, Manhattan|Meatpacking District]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[Saint Vincent's Catholic Medical Center|Saint Vincent's Hospital]]; fence nearby is covered with ceramic tiles in tribute to the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[Westbeth Artists Community]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[West Village, Manhattan|West Village]]<ref name=maps/>
* [[Whitney Museum of American Art]]<ref name=maps/>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{ external media
| width  = 210px
| float = right
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCSXoZnUWPE "Life Underground" by Tom Otterness], Metropolitan Transportation Authority; January 13, 2010; 2:34 YouTube video clip
}}
* {{NYCS ref|http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/stations?203:3211|BMT Canarsie Line|8th Avenue}}
* {{NYCS ref|http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/stations?7:61|IND 8th Avenue|14th Street}}
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8+Av+%26+23+st+nyc&sll=40.746387,-73.997984&sspn=0.003853,0.013433&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=W+23rd+St+%26+8th+Ave,+New+York,+10011&ll=40.739762,-74.002533&spn=0.003853,0.013433&z=17&lci=transit&layer=c&cbll=40.739817,-74.002678&panoid=kHrkyJz3TNcSVTH76A4q7g&cbp=12,2.44,,0,4.64 14th Street entrance from Google Maps Street View]
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8+Av+%26+23+st+nyc&sll=40.746387,-73.997984&sspn=0.003853,0.013433&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=W+23rd+St+%26+8th+Ave,+New+York,+10011&ll=40.740453,-74.002029&spn=0.003853,0.013433&z=17&lci=transit&layer=c&cbll=40.740502,-74.00216&panoid=YJCGOm2yOjhf84vTlIvVsw&cbp=12,350.91,,0,0.76 15th Street entrance from Google Maps Street View]
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8+Av+%26+23+st+nyc&sll=40.746387,-73.997984&sspn=0.003853,0.013433&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=W+23rd+St+%26+8th+Ave,+New+York,+10011&ll=40.741071,-74.001546&spn=0.003853,0.013433&z=17&lci=transit&layer=c&cbll=40.741028,-74.001431&panoid=YQIUkOHBuqG2Mal6C3WtZg&cbp=12,198.3,,0,2.59 16th Street entrance from Google Maps Street View]
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=40.739639,-74.002368&spn=0.001668,0.002411&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=40.739639,-74.002368&panoid=e3BncaElSZAAAAQJOKuxtg&cbp=12,346.42,,0,-5.46 BMT Canarsie Line platform seen from a train from Google Maps Street View]
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=40.739638,-74.002367&spn=0.001455,0.002411&t=m&layer=c&cbll=40.739785,-74.002454&panoid=n_NTXYRDmfUAAAAGOtd6rA&cbp=12,295.76,,0,-1.3&z=19 BMT Canarsie Line platform from Google Maps Street View]
* [https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7399626,-74.0027549,3a,75y,171.25h,90.61t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-B1InSmTvLkk%2FV6AuNTdPNKI%2FAAAAAAAAOY4%2FZ_aGHqdWSs0wDxy-wwZRKqrhUzCNj96hQCLIB!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh4.googleusercontent.com%2F-B1InSmTvLkk%2FV6AuNTdPNKI%2FAAAAAAAAOY4%2FZ_aGHqdWSs0wDxy-wwZRKqrhUzCNj96hQCLIB%2Fw203-h100-k-no-pi-6.941883-ya54.49999-ro-0-fo100%2F!7i9728!8i4864 IND Eighth Avenue Line platforms from Google Maps Street View]

{{Greenwich Village}}
{{Chelsea, Manhattan}}
{{NYCS stations navbox by service|la=y|lc=y|le=y|ll=y}}
{{NYCS stations navbox by line|canarsie=yes|8ave=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:14th Street - Eighth Avenue (New York City Subway)}}
[[Category:BMT Canarsie Line stations]]
[[Category:IND Eighth Avenue Line stations]]
[[Category:Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:New York City Subway transfer stations]]
[[Category:New York City Subway stations in Manhattan]]
[[Category:New York City Subway terminals]]
[[Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1931]]
[[Category:Chelsea, Manhattan]]
[[Category:West Village]]
[[Category:1931 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:14th Street (Manhattan)]]