[9][10] The extension was originally supposed to be finished by the end of 1918, but due to the difficulty in acquiring materials, the opening was delayed.

In January 1919, the New York State Public Service Commission was looking into acquiring property for a subway yard at Pelham Bay Park.

[11] On May 30, 1920, the Pelham Line was extended to Parkchester–East 177th Street,[10][12][3] with the extension being served by a shuttle service operating with elevated cars.

Express trains ran during weekday rush hours and on Saturday morning in the peak direction.

[13] Express service did not start until this date because of the increase in ridership from the huge Parkchester housing complex at East 177th Street.

[15] The work included new canopies, stairs, lighting, and public intercom systems, as well as refurbished platform floors and structural repairs.

[17] In December 2022, the MTA announced that it would award a $146 million contract for the installation of eight elevators across four stations, including Parkchester.

The fare control is at street level and the room features a painting entitled Live The Dream.