The station opened in 1919 as part of an extension of the Pelham Line of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company, and had its platforms extended in the 1960s.

The extension was completed by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company as part of the Dual Contracts with the New York City.

The name tablets are bordered in mixed shades of green and brown, and read "LONGWOOD AVE." in all-caps, serif white lettering on a mottled blue background.

Light green I-beam columns run along the platforms at their center at regular intervals with every other one having the standard black name plate with white lettering.

The extensions are noticeable as they are narrower than the rest of the platforms, have no columns, and the trim line is blue with "LONGWOOD AVE" in white sans serif font.