In the opening decades of the 20th Century, the proliferation of new subway lines in Brooklyn changed the shape of Brooklyn's busiest intersections; new routes were excavated and transit hubs born, replacing the streetcars and elevated railways of years past. This collection includes a selection of photographs documenting subway construction in and around Times Plaza, Flatbush Avenue, and Ashland Place.

Excavation for the Independent Subway System (IND) tracks at Schermerhorn Street, east of Smith Street, June 1, 1929. The newly-completed Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower is visible in the background. The IND broke ground on the Fulton Street line (today’s A/C) in April, 1929, and commenced cut-and-cover excavations shortly thereafter. Construction for the Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets station, a six-track junction with the planned IND Crosstown line, required the demolition of buildings along the south side of Schermerhorn Street (at right).

Schermerhorn Street, east of Smith Street, after excavation work for the IND subway was completed. April 7, 1932. Although the excavation trench along Schermerhorn Street had been covered and traffic along the surface road had been restored, service along the Fulton Street did not begin until 1936, almost exactly four years after this photograph was taken. Connecting service to the IND Crosstown line (today’s G) began in July 1937. The Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets station may look familiar to Michael Jackson fans: it was one of the locations used in 1987’s Martin Scorsese-directed music video for “Bad.”