(All photos are taken by Kehan Wang & Mu Zhang.)
“New Yorkers have waited nearly a century to see the promise of the Second Avenue Subway realized, and after unrelenting dedication from thousands of hardworking men and women, the wait is over and the subway is open.”
The The Second Avenue Subway Q Line took nearly a century, 14 mayors, 12 governors and dozens of transit leaders later to complete three new subway stops along Second Avenue that were opened to the public on January 1, 2017. The construction of the subway line began in 1920 and was postponed several times due to World War I, World War II, inflation, lack of money and even a strong opponent who preferred the highway to mass transit. Also, the route of the subway line had been altered in different periods and finally now runs from 72nd Street to 96th Street on Upper East Side. Moreover, the construction of Phase 2, which extends the line up to 125th Street, estimates to cost $6 billion dollars and could begin in 2019 or 2020.
72nd Street
Perfect Strangers, Vik Muniz
The mezzanine and entrance areas of 72nd station install Vik Muniz’s Perfect Strangers created in mosaic and featured different types of New Yorkers. These life size figures provide bursts of color and visual interest and an opportunity for new discovery with every trip through the station.
86th Street
Subway Portraits, Chuck Close
Subway Portraits has created twelve large-scale works of cultural figures that are based on the artist’s painstakingly detailed photo-based portrait paintings and prints. They measure close to nine feet high and are placed on the walls at the station entrances and the mezzanine concourse.
96th Street
Blueprint for a Landscape, Sarah Sze
The 14,000-square-feet artwork features elements of New York-sheets of paper, scaffolding, birds, trees, and foliage, which unfold in a composition that follow the energy of 96th Street station. Each entrance is decorated with a different shade of blue tile, offering an aesthetic look to the new commute hub.
The new subway line has been significantly making people’s lives more convenient and accessible. Here are some of our residents who enjoy the benefits of the extended Q line:
“We’re looking forward to being even better. And the subway’s going to help us to do that.“ --Dave Goodside Beach Cafe, Second Ave & 70St
“Thank you, MTA. Having the subway makes our lives easier. It is remarkable accomplishment.” --Jordan Wouk Upper East Side resident
“We think it’s a wonderful project, it’s a boost to the area.” --Edward & Mary Silva Co-owners of Maz Mezcal Mexican restaurant, 2nd AVE & E 86 St
Lam:
The first time I heard about 2nd Avenue Subway, was the beginning of this year when I was back home and watching the news on television. The colorful subway car and brand-new stations featured with artistic atmosphere immediately caught my eyes. Therefore, three of my friends, together and I, started an amazing journey exploring the new subway line at the weekend the first week back to NYC. One of the things I remember most clearly was that, there was also a man who looks passionate about the subway as well, taking a camera recording the train, passengers and the MTA staff each time when a train was in or out the station. The opening of the new subway, not only makes residents life more convenient and accessible, but also provides an opportunity to let people rediscover the life.
Ruyi:
Save 2nd avenue subway as the final stop of your trip! Otherwise, you won't get used to other antiquated train lines. The three new subway stations immersed in artistic conceptions are also very good places for taking photos!
For people who want to learn more about the new Q line, there is a MTA Second Avenue Subway Community Information Center, which locates at 1628 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028. You can simply stop by to learn about the detailed history of the subway line, or get information about travelling around the Q line!
