Member-only story

The Demise of the Third Avenue El: A Bronx Tale of Progress and Preservation

Theo Cox

·19.2k Followers· Follow

Published in The Third Avenue El Demolition In The Bronx 149th Street To Tremont Avenue

7 min read

320 View Claps

35 Respond

Save

Listen

Prelude: A Bygone Era of Elevated Transit

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the Third Avenue El once stood as an iconic symbol of urban transportation. Constructed in the late 19th century, this elevated railway line traversed the length of Manhattan and the Bronx, providing a vital connection between the northern reaches of the city and the burgeoning downtown.

Over the decades, the El became an integral part of Bronx life, its clattering trains and towering steel framework echoing through the vibrant streets below. It served as a lifeline for commuters, students, and businesses, shaping the character and identity of countless neighborhoods.

The Third Avenue El Demolition in the Bronx - 149th Street to Tremont Avenue

by Tamara Poff

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4480 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	110 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The Seeds of Change: Outdated Infrastructure and Urban Renewal

As the 20th century progressed, however, the Third Avenue El began to show its age. Its aging infrastructure became increasingly unreliable, and the noise and vibrations it generated became a nuisance to residents below. Moreover, the rise of automobiles and the expansion of the subway system reduced the El's importance as a primary mode of transportation.

In the 1950s, plans began to emerge for the demolition of the El in favor of modernizing the city's transit system. The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) proposed replacing the elevated line with buses and subways, promising increased efficiency and reduced noise pollution.

The Fight for Preservation: A Cultural and Historical Legacy

The prospect of demolishing the Third Avenue El sparked a fierce debate among preservationists, historians, and community members. They argued that the El represented a valuable piece of the city's architectural and cultural heritage. Its distinctive steel structures and ornate stations had become beloved landmarks, and many feared that their removal would diminish the character of the neighborhoods they served.

A coalition of preservationists and community groups formed to fight for the El's survival. They organized rallies, wrote letters to elected officials, and raised awareness about the historical and aesthetic significance of the line.

A Compromised Solution: Demolishing the Bronx Section

In the end, the forces of progress prevailed. The NYCTA's plans to demolish the El were approved, but with a key concession: the section of the line in the Bronx would be spared. This compromise was a testament to the strong advocacy of preservationists and the recognition of the El's importance to the borough's heritage.

A Tale of Two Cities: Manhattan's Loss, the Bronx's Gain

In 1955, demolition crews began tearing down the El in Manhattan. The process was swift and relentless, with massive sections of the line disappearing within months. The once-bustling elevated artery became a memory, replaced by buses and subways.

In contrast, the El's survival in the Bronx ensured its continued presence as a vital part of the borough's infrastructure. It continued to transport commuters and connect neighborhoods for decades to come, becoming an enduring symbol of both preservation and progress.

149th Street to Tremont Avenue: A Walk Through History

Today, the surviving section of the Third Avenue El in the Bronx represents a fascinating time capsule of New York City's urban history. It stretches from 149th Street in Mott Haven to Tremont Avenue in Belmont, a distance of approximately two miles.

The journey along this historic stretch of track offers a unique glimpse into the past and present of the Bronx. The El's elevated platforms and steel girders evoke a bygone era of transportation, while the vibrant neighborhoods below showcase the borough's rich diversity and vitality.

Mott Haven: The Gateway to the South Bronx

The El's journey begins in Mott Haven, a historically working-class neighborhood located at the intersection of 149th Street and Third Avenue. The station here, a simple brick structure with ornate ironwork, has been renovated and serves as a reminder of the El's former prominence in the area.

From Mott Haven, the El climbs above the bustling streets lined with bodegas, restaurants, and shops. It passes by the sprawling Hunts Point Terminal Market, the largest produce market in the Northeast, and continues northward into the heart of the South Bronx.

Longwood and Melrose: A Tapestry of Cultures

The El's route through Longwood and Melrose reflects the Bronx's rich tapestry of cultures. The Longwood station, with its Moorish-inspired design, serves a predominantly Hispanic and African American community. Further north, the Third Avenue-149th Street station is a hub for the borough's large Caribbean population.

As the El emerges from the Melrose neighborhood, it enters a vibrant commercial corridor known as Third Avenue and Fordham Road. Here, the El's platforms overlook a bustling array of stores, restaurants, and cultural venues, reflecting the area's dynamic and diverse character.

Fordham: Academia and Urban Renewal

Approaching Fordham University, the El passes through the historic Fordham Manor neighborhood. The Fordham Road station, an elegant brick structure with marble accents, caters to the university's students and faculty. This station has witnessed the transformation of the surrounding area, from a residential enclave to a vibrant urban center.

Belmont: The End of the Line

The El's journey culminates in Belmont, a leafy neighborhood nestled along the Bronx River. The Tremont Avenue station, the last stop on the line, is a modest brick structure that serves as a gateway to the neighborhood's parks and residential streets.

From Tremont Avenue, the El's tracks continue for a short distance before disappearing into a tunnel. This marks the end of the surviving Third Avenue El in the Bronx, a testament to the line's enduring legacy in the borough.

Beyond the El: A Legacy of Preservation and Progress

The Third Avenue El may be gone from Manhattan, but its story continues to resonate in the Bronx. The surviving section of the line stands as a testament to the power of preservation and the importance of recognizing the historical and cultural significance of our built environment.

The demolition of the El in Manhattan cleared the way for urban renewal and modernization. However, in the Bronx, the El's survival ensured the preservation of a vital piece of the borough's heritage. It remains a symbol of the community's tenacity and its commitment to preserving its past while embracing progress.

Preservation Efforts and Community Involvement

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in preserving and revitalizing the Third Avenue El in the Bronx. Community groups and preservationists have worked to restore the line's historic stations and structures, transforming them into community centers, art spaces, and even housing.

These efforts have been supported by the city government and non-profit organizations, recognizing the El's potential as a catalyst for economic development and community revitalization. The El's iconic status and unique architectural features have made it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

The El's Enduring Legacy: A Symbol of Bronx Pride

Today, the Third Avenue El in the Bronx is more than just a transportation link. It is a symbol of the borough's pride, resilience, and determination. Its elevated platforms and steel girders have witnessed the Bronx's struggles and triumphs, its periods of decline and renewal.

The El's survival stands as a reminder that progress and preservation can coexist, and that the built environment plays a vital role in shaping our communities and preserving our collective memory.

The Third Avenue El Demolition in the Bronx - 149th Street to Tremont Avenue

by Tamara Poff

4.3 out of 5