217 Makes It Seventeen

Accessibility continues to expand at 14th Street–Union Square with EL 217 now in service—marking the 17th elevator delivered under the 19 Elevators Project in collaboration with the MTA and Lead Designer Goldman Copeland.

Serving the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W lines, EL 217 improves circulation within one of New York City’s busiest and most complex transit hubs. With constant passenger flow and multiple subway lines intersecting at this location, the new hydraulic elevator provides a direct connection from street to mezzanine, with a newly constructed below-grade shaft supporting the installation.

The scope included the construction of a new Elevator Machine Room, along with finish work carefully executed to align with the station’s historic character. A custom tile band was developed to replicate the original design—balancing modern accessibility upgrades with the established look and feel of the station.

Strong coordination between field teams, subcontractors, and the MTA supported steady progress across multiple work areas, allowing several elevators at Union Square to advance in parallel. EL 217 was placed in service ahead of schedule, reflecting continued momentum across the project.

Work remains ongoing at the station, including EL 218, currently in progress, as accessibility improvements continue to take shape at Union Square.