AS PUBLISHED IN COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION, Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Nov 4, 2025
- 1 min read
Forte Construction Modernizes 14th Street/Eighth Avenue Station in NYC
Forte Construction Corp., a leading general contracting firm known for its transit and public works expertise, has successfully replaced two elevators at the 14th Street/Eighth Avenue subway station as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) ongoing accessibility upgrades across New York City.
A major transfer hub between the A/C/E lines and the L train, the station is the 15th-busiest in the MTA system, serving roughly 34,630 riders on an average weekday in 2024—a 6.7% increase over the previous year. Situated in the heart of Chelsea, it connects daily commuters and tourists to nearby landmarks such as Chelsea Market, the High Line and the Whitney Museum of Art.
For nearly 25 years, the station has also been home to Tom Otterness’ “Life Underground”, one of the most beloved installations in the MTA Arts and Design program. During construction, Forte partnered with the MTA, Urban Art Projects (UAP), and Goldman Copeland to ensure that Otterness’ whimsical bronze sculptures were carefully preserved, temporarily removed for refurbishment and safely reinstalled.
The modernization effort included the installation of a new roped hydraulic elevator and a redesigned street-level canopy that meets modern MTA design standards. “We’re proud to help make the system more accessible while ensuring that this treasured art installation remains part of the city’s character,” says Elif Chavez, Assistant Project Manager at Forte Construction.
With more than 150 elevator installations and replacements completed or underway, Forte continues to help shape a more inclusive and connected New York transit network.
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