[4] It was built as an elevated line because the ground in this area is right above the water table, and as a result the construction of a subway would have been prohibitively expensive.

[5] The first portion of the line between Utica Avenue and Junius Street, including this station, opened on November 22, 1920, with shuttle trains operating over this route.

[6][7] The line was completed to New Lots Avenue on October 16, 1922,[7] with a two-car train running on the northbound track.

[8] The New York City Board of Transportation announced plans in November 1949 to extend platforms at several IRT stations, including Sutter Avenue, to accommodate all doors on ten-car trains.

Although ten-car trains already operated on the line, the rear car could not open its doors at the station because the platforms were so short.

[15] South of the station, the line curves east above Livonia Avenue and continues along that route with six more stops.