The station consists of a center island platform between the line's two tracks, with handicapped-accessible ramps to Blue Hill Avenue and Cummins Highway.

Originally intended to open along with Newmarket, Four Corners/Geneva, and Talbot Avenue, it was significantly delayed due to local controversy.

[4] As part of that project, the level crossings of Blue Hill Avenue and Oakland Street (now Cummins Highway) were replaced by road bridges in 1901.

It was renamed Blue Hill Avenue to distinguish it from the nearby Milton Branch station also called Mattapan.

However, Blue Hill Avenue has been the focus of major community opposition over the station site and design, which has resulted in significant delays.

[9] However, property owners in a neighborhood association objected to the projected construction activity and operational noise, forcing a total redesign of the station.

Sites east of Blue Hill Avenue, west of Cummins Highway, and west of River Street would have required property taking, while a location at River Street was on a curve too tight to allow a high-level platform without significant platform gaps.

The new design with a single island platform will keep construction further from abutting homes and lower the cost of the station.

[11] Final design of the station, including analyzing 26 nearby homes for noise abatement, was expected to be completed in the middle of 2012.

Under the plan, Blue Hill Ave station had guaranteed funding for the $26 million construction cost.