In 1913, New York City, the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, and the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) reached an agreement, known as the Dual Contracts, to expand subway service across the City dramatically.

[14] In 2019, the MTA announced that this station would become ADA-accessible as part of the agency's 2020–2024 Capital Program.

[21] The mosaic trim on the station's track walls are predominantly tan and buff, with the numeral "3" shown in slightly cruciform-shaped friezes with a slate blue background appearing at regular intervals.

A crossover exists via the mezzanine, and a closed crossunder is located at the center of the platforms.

A high ceiling is found in the station and the northbound platform has an old tower at the south end.

Just before the slight jog going towards Manhattan, a provision was provided in anticipation of its connection with the then newly planned Second Avenue Subway, which was originally planned to take over the service south of this point, and relieve congestion on the IRT Lexington Avenue Subway.