Historic Hotel Marquee Collapses Over Brooklyn Heights Subway Station: MTA Reroutes 2 and 3 Trains – What You Need to Know!

A historic hotel marquee above the Clark Street subway station in Brooklyn Heights collapsed early Sunday. This incident led the MTA to suspend service at the station.

The awning, which used to mark the St. George Hotel, had been deteriorating. It was embedded in the hotel’s lobby, a place that’s now filled with shops. The subway entrance opened back in 1919, offering a glimpse into the area’s past.

Officials from the city’s Department of Buildings revealed that the marquee’s steel beams had severely corroded. Interestingly, another marquee at the station’s other entrance showed similar signs of neglect. Photos from Google Street View, taken last November, indicated that the sign was missing an “L,” turning “St. George” into “Hote St. George.”

Brooklyn Councilmember Lincoln Restler reported the collapse occurred around 7 a.m. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Restler noted he’s heard complaints about the subway station for years, describing it as “grimy” and “abysmal.”

Initially, the MTA closed only the Henry Street entrance, directing commuters to the other one. Soon after, though, both the 2 and 3 trains began bypassing the station. Restler mentioned he had toured the station just days before the collapse with NYC Transit President Demetrius Chrichlow to point out its poor condition.

“I was shocked by the collapse,” Restler said. “If this had happened during peak hours on a weekday, we could have seen serious injuries, if not worse.”

The St. George Hotel itself has a storied history, dating back to the late 1800s. Notably, former President Franklin D. Roosevelt celebrated his birthdays there.

Today, the lobby serves as the entrance to a unique subway station. To access the platforms at Clark Street, riders must rely on elevators. However, those in wheelchairs face challenges, as stairs are the only link between the mezzanine and the platforms.

The marquee and entrance are currently owned by Educational Housing Services, as confirmed by Restler and MTA officials.

This incident reflects broader concerns about infrastructure maintenance in urban settings. A recent survey found that more than 60% of city residents are worried about aging facilities like subway stations. Experts suggest that regular inspections and timely repairs are crucial to avoid accidents like this in the future.

As we continue to use these vital public spaces, ensuring their safety is important. The recent collapse serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing attention to infrastructure maintenance.



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