Court Square–23rd Street station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids  Court Square–23 Street   ​​​
New York City Subway station complex
The station's main fare control area leading from One Court Square
Station statistics
Address	the immediate vicinity of One Court Square Queens, NY 11101
Borough	Queens
Locale	Hunters Point, Long Island City
Coordinates	40°44′51″N 73°56′42″W / 40.7476°N 73.9451°W / 40.7476; -73.9451
Division	A (IRT), B (IND)
Line	IND Crosstown Line       IRT Flushing Line IND Queens Boulevard Line
Services	7 alltimes (all times) <7>rushpeak (rush hours until 9:30 p.m., peak direction)​       E alltimes (all times) ​      G alltimes (all times)​       M weekdaysonly (weekdays until 11:00 p.m.)
Transit connections	NYCT Bus: B32, B62 MTA Bus: Q39, Q67, Q69
Levels	3
Other information
Opened	1990 (Queens Boulevard & Crosstown lines) June 3, 2011; 14 years ago (2011-06-03) (Flushing line)
Station code	606
Accessible	Partially ADA-accessible (IRT Flushing Line platforms only, accessibility planned for remainder of station)
Traffic
Passengers (2019)	7,033,377   2.6%
Rank	55 out of 425
Location Show map of New York City Subway Show map of New York City Show map of New York
Street map
Station service legend Symbol Description Stops all times Stops rush hours in the peak direction only Stops weekdays only

The Court Square–23rd Street station is a big subway complex in New York City. It connects three different subway lines: the IND Crosstown Line, the IRT Flushing Line, and the IND Queens Boulevard Line. You can find this station in Long Island City, Queens, near a tall building called One Court Square.

Many trains stop here. The 7, E, and G trains run all the time. The M train stops here on weekdays. During busy weekday hours, the express <7> train also serves the station.

This complex used to be three separate stations. The first one, on the Flushing Line, opened in 1916. The Crosstown Line station opened in 1933, and the Queens Boulevard Line station followed in 1939. Over time, special walkways were built to connect these stations, making it easier for people to transfer between trains.

History of the Court Square Station

NYCT president Thomas Prendergast at the complex's opening in 2011

Escalators to the Flushing Line platform

The Court Square subway complex is in Long Island City, Queens. The very first part of this complex to open was the Flushing Line station on November 5, 1916. It was originally called 45th Road–Court House Square. This station was built as part of a plan to extend the Flushing Line.

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the city built new subway lines. The Court Square station on the Crosstown Line was one of the first to be built in Queens. It opened on August 19, 1933. The Queens Boulevard Line also opened around this time. The 23rd Street–Ely Avenue station on the Queens Boulevard Line was built later. It finally opened on August 28, 1939.

Connecting the Stations

An entrance to the station, built in the 1990s

In 1984, the subway system planned to build a walkway to connect the Queens Boulevard and Crosstown Line stations. This was part of a bigger project to link the Queens Boulevard Line to another subway line. Around 1986, a company called Citigroup helped pay for this walkway. It cost $8.5 million. They funded it because they were building a large office tower nearby, One Court Square.

The new building opened in 1989, and the walkway was finished soon after. In 2000, the subway system started planning a second walkway. This one would connect the Flushing Line and Crosstown Line stations. On December 16, 2001, a new subway connection opened. This meant that G trains started ending their trips at Court Square on weekdays. To help people transfer, a free out-of-system transfer was created to the Flushing Line.

In 2005, Citigroup announced they would fund the second walkway too. On March 17, 2011, the Queens Boulevard station was renamed "Court Square–23rd Street." Then, on June 3, 2011, the $47 million connection between the Crosstown Line and Flushing Line stations opened. This new connection made the Flushing Line station fully accessible for people with disabilities. The two stations were then renamed "Court Square." Most of the money for this project came from Citigroup, but the subway system also contributed.

The Flushing Line station was closed for a few months in 2012 for more upgrades. These included making the platforms better and changing the station's entrance area to be fully accessible.

How the Station is Laid Out

2F Flushing platforms	Side platform
	Southbound	← toward Hudson Yards (Hunters Point Avenue)
	Northbound	→ toward Flushing–Main Street (Queensboro Plaza) →
	Side platform
1F	Upper mezzanine	Fare control, station agent, MetroCard machines Elevator at northeast corner of 23rd Street and Jackson Avenue for   trains; transfers to other services not accessible
G	Street level	Exit/entrance
B1	Lower mezzanine	Fare control, station agent, MetroCard machines, passageways between platforms
B2 Queens Boulevard platforms	Side platform
	Southbound	← toward World Trade Center (Lexington Avenue–53rd Street) ← toward Metropolitan Avenue weekdays (Lexington Avenue–53rd Street)
	Northbound	→ toward Jamaica Center (Queens Plaza) → → toward 71st Avenue weekdays (Queens Plaza) →
	Side platform
B2 Crosstown platform	Southbound	← toward Church Avenue (21st Street) → ← (No service: Queens Plaza)
	Island platform
	Southbound	← toward Church Avenue (21st Street) →

The Court Square–23rd Street station is a complex of three subway stations that used to be separate. There are many ways to enter the complex. Inside, there are two walkways that connect the different stations, so you don't have to leave the subway system to transfer.

Walkway Between Crosstown and Queens Boulevard Lines

This walkway is about 360 feet (110 meters) long. It connects the Queens Boulevard Line station to the Crosstown Line station. This walkway was built in the 1990s after the One Court Square tower opened.

This walkway used to have a moving sidewalk, like at an airport. It helped people get from the Crosstown and Flushing Lines to the Queens Boulevard Line faster. However, it only saved about 9 seconds and often broke down. So, in 2016, it was decided to remove the moving sidewalk. This was done in 2018 to make more space in the walkway. It also helped prepare for a subway tunnel closure in 2019, which would bring more passengers to this station.

The main entrance area for the complex is in this walkway. It has a ticket booth and turnstiles. One staircase with escalators goes up to 44th Drive, inside a Citibank building. Another entrance, open only on weekdays, leads to the plaza of One Court Square.

Along the walls of this walkway, you can see a beautiful glass mosaic mural called Stream. It was created by artist Elizabeth Murray.

The former moving sidewalk, removed in summer 2018

Walkway Between Flushing and Crosstown Lines

This second walkway opened in June 2011. It has two escalators, one elevator, and one staircase. These are all inside a glass building. This connection links the underground Crosstown Line station to the elevated Flushing Line station.

Before 2011, you could transfer between these two lines for free, but you had to exit the subway system and re-enter. Now, it's a direct connection. The elevators make the Flushing Line platforms accessible for everyone. The subway system plans to add an elevator to the Crosstown Line platform soon. They also announced that the Queens Boulevard Line station will become accessible between 2020 and 2024.

There is no direct connection between the Flushing Line and Queens Boulevard Line platforms.

IRT Flushing Line Platforms

Court Square
New York City Subway station (rapid transit)
The north end of the station with the Manhattan skyline in the background
Station statistics
Address	45th Road & 23rd Street
Division	A (IRT)
Line	IRT Flushing Line
Services	7 alltimes (all times) <7>rushpeak (rush hours until 9:30 p.m., peak direction)
Structure	Elevated
Platforms	2 side platforms
Tracks	2
Other information
Opened	November 5, 1916; 108 years ago (1916-11-05) (first station) June 3, 2011; 14 years ago (2011-06-03) (second station)
Station code	462
Accessible	ADA-accessible
Opposite-direction transfer available	Yes
Former/other names	45th Road–Court House Square
Station succession
Next north	Queensboro Plaza: 7 alltimes <7>rushpeak
Next south	Hunters Point Avenue: 7 alltimes <7>rushpeak
Station service legend Symbol Description Stops all times Stops rush hours in the peak direction only
45th Road – Court House Square (Dual System IRT)
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
MPS	New York City Subway System MPS
NRHP reference No.	05000229
Added to NRHP	March 3, 2005

The Court Square station on the IRT Flushing Line is an elevated station. This means it's above ground. It has two tracks and two side platforms, one for each direction of trains.

This station first opened on November 5, 1916. It was called 45th Road–Court House Square back then. In 1955–1956, the platforms were made longer to fit longer trains. In 2005, this station was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.

The platforms you see today were put in during the 2012 renovations. They are made of a special lightweight material that resists rust and changes in temperature. The edges of the platforms have special bumpy strips to help people with vision impairments. Both platforms have beige walls to block wind and brown roofs with green supports.

Exits from the Flushing Line Station

This station has an elevated station house, which is like a building under the tracks. From each platform, a staircase goes down to a shared waiting area. Here, you'll find turnstiles to enter or exit the station. There's also an elevator from each platform to this area.

Outside the turnstiles, there's a ticket booth. An elevator and two staircases lead down to the street at the corner of 45th Road and 23rd Street. Two escalators and a staircase, inside a glass structure, lead directly to the underground part of the complex. This is the new transfer walkway. One elevator from the northbound platform also connects to this underground area.

There's also a staircase that goes down to the other side of 45th Road and 23rd Street. This exit is marked as only for the Flushing Line station.

IND Queens Boulevard Line Platforms

Court Square–23 Street  ​
New York City Subway station (rapid transit)
The Forest Hills and Jamaica-bound platform in August 2013
Station statistics
Address	23rd Street & 44th Drive
Division	B (IND)
Line	IND Queens Boulevard Line
Services	E alltimes (all times) ​      M weekdaysonly (weekdays until 11:00 p.m.)
Structure	Underground
Platforms	2 side platforms
Tracks	2
Other information
Opened	August 28, 1939; 85 years ago (1939-08-28)
Station code	274
Accessible	ADA-accessible to mezzanine only; accessibility to platforms planned
Opposite-direction transfer available	Yes
Former/other names	23rd Street–Ely Avenue
Station succession
Next north	Queens Plaza: E alltimes ​M weekdaysonly
Next south	Lexington Avenue–53rd Street: E alltimes ​M weekdaysonly
Station service legend Symbol Description Stops all times Stops weekdays only

The Court Square–23rd Street station on the IND Queens Boulevard Line is an underground station. It has two tracks and two side platforms. It's located along 44th Drive. This is the westernmost station on this line in Queens.

Each platform has a red stripe with a black border. The station signs say "23RD ST. – ELY AVE." in white letters on a black and brown background. Red support columns run along both platforms.

This station was built between 1931 and 1933. However, it didn't open with the rest of the line because the city thought there wasn't enough demand. Local businesses and leaders protested, saying the area had many factories. The station was finally completed in 1938. It opened as 23rd Street–Ely Avenue on August 28, 1939. Ely Avenue was the old name for 23rd Street.

There are four ceramic art murals on the platforms and in the connecting areas. They were made by Frank Olt in 1992 and are called Temple Quad Reliefs.

Exits from the Queens Boulevard Line Station

This station has three entrances and exits. The main one is at the eastern end. From each platform, a staircase leads up to a crossover area.

On the platform for trains going to Manhattan, there's an entrance with turnstiles and an elevator. This leads to the corner of 23rd Street and 44th Drive. This entrance was updated when the Skyline Tower building was constructed nearby.

The long walkway that connects to the IND Crosstown Line platform extends south from here. Before this walkway was built, this exit had a ticket booth and staircases to both sides of 44th Drive.

The second entrance area is at the western end of the station. From each platform, a staircase goes up to a raised crossover. The Manhattan-bound side has turnstiles and a staircase to the corner of 21st Street and 44th Drive. The Queens-bound side has exit-only turnstiles and a staircase to the other corner of the same intersection. All these entrance areas have their original subway-style signs.

IND Crosstown Line Platform

Court Square
New York City Subway station (rapid transit)
IND Crosstown Line station platform
Station statistics
Address	45th Avenue & Jackson Avenue
Division	B (IND)
Line	IND Crosstown Line
Services	G alltimes (all times)
Structure	Underground
Platforms	1 island platform
Tracks	2
Other information
Opened	August 19, 1933; 91 years ago (1933-08-19)
Station code	281
Accessible	ADA-accessible to mezzanine only; accessibility to platforms planned
Opposite-direction transfer available	Yes
Former/other names	Long Island City–Court Square
Station succession
Next north	Queens Plaza: no regular service (Terminal): G alltimes
Next south	21st Street: G alltimes
Station service legend Symbol Description Stops all times

The Court Square station, once called Long Island City−Court Square, is the northernmost station on the IND Crosstown Line. It's the last stop for G trains at all times. Even though G trains end here, the tracks continue north. They connect to the IND Queens Boulevard Line tracks near Queens Plaza. These extra tracks are not used for regular service.

This underground station opened on August 19, 1933. It has one island platform between two tracks. The walls have a green stripe with a black border. Below the stripe, there are small "COURT SQ" signs. Green support columns are placed along the platform.

Two staircases between the platform and the upper level are being made wider. Two new staircases are also being added to help more people move through the station. An elevator will replace one of the new staircases after 2020. This will make the platform accessible for people with disabilities.

Exits from the Crosstown Line Station

Three staircases from the platform lead up to the mezzanine level above. A walkway inside the paid area connects this station to the Queens Boulevard platform. All the entrance areas here do not have staff. They only have full-height turnstiles.

The main entrance area has a staircase that goes up to the corner of Jackson Avenue and Court Square West. Another staircase leads to Jackson Avenue in front of One Court Square. There used to be other staircases, but they are no longer used by the public.

In December 2001, a new entrance was added at the south end of the mezzanine. This allowed a free transfer to the IRT Flushing Line. From this area, a staircase goes up to Jackson Avenue. In June 2011, this transfer was replaced by the new enclosed walkway with escalators, an elevator, and a staircase.

Nearby Places to Visit

The P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center (MoMA PS1) is a modern art museum nearby. It's located at 46th and Jackson Avenues. The tall One Court Square building, owned by Citicorp, is right above the station. The Queens County Criminal Court is also very close to Court Square.

You can also see the site of the 5 Pointz building from the Flushing Line station. This building was famous for its graffiti art before it was taken down in 2014.

The station is in the middle of the Hunters Point Historic District. This means there are many old, historic buildings nearby. However, the area around the station is also growing. New tall apartment buildings and fancy restaurants are being built. There's also a growing art scene because of MoMA PS1.

Images for kids

• 

  ADA-accessible elevator to the westbound Queens Boulevard Line platform

• 

  An R46 G train at the station

See also

In Spanish: Calle 23–Avenida Ely (línea Queens Boulevard) para niños