Building the New York City subway was a massive undertaking. Tunnels had to be dug, tracks put down, and electric lines, water mains, and other underground infrastructure dodged.
And then, stations had to be designed. A young pair of architects, George Heins and Christopher LaFarge, were given the job.
Their lovely work still survives. Heins & LaFarge created the arches and vaulted ceilings of early stations like City Hall as well as ornamental touches like garlands and wreaths lining platforms.
They built street kiosks, some of which are still in use today (like at West 72nd Street). And they’re responsible for designing these terra cotta and ceramic name tablets.
Ephemeral New York 