The station was originally built by the Manhattan Railway Company on December 30, 1878, and later had two levels.

The lower level serving local trains was built first, and had two tracks and two side platforms.

The upper level, built as part of the Dual Contracts had one track that bypassed the station and served express trains.

This station closed on May 12, 1955, with the ending of all service on the Third Avenue El south of 149th Street.

[3] The substation is still owned by the MTA and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since February 9, 2006.