6 Hidden MTA Buildings Part 1- The Strange Townhouse at 58 Joralemon Street

Disclaimer:

The majority of my videos that feature so-called “abandoned” areas within the New York City subway system do not consist of footage personally recorded by me. This material was obtained from a number of urban explorers and retired transit employees whose identities are withheld for confidentiality and safety reasons.

Accessing these locations without proper authorization constitutes trespassing and is both unlawful and illegal. I strongly discourage anyone from attempting to enter or explore these areas without official permission.

Information:

We all know that most of New York City’s subway system runs underground. But what many people don’t realize is that the Transit Authority operates vital infrastructure right in plain sight, above ground. These unassuming structures are essential to keeping the system running smoothly—but they often go unnoticed.

In this video, I’m going to introduce you to one of these hidden gems. This is the first part of a six-part series, where I’ll reveal the stories behind six crucial pieces of infrastructure scattered across the city.

Let’s uncover what’s been hiding in plain sight—enjoy!

Our journey begins in the quiet, picturesque neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights. Try saying that three times fast. One afternoon, while biking down Joralemon Street, I noticed something odd: the pavement suddenly shifted from smooth asphalt to uneven cobblestone. A bumpy ride, sure—but that wasn’t what caught my attention.

What stood out was this building.

At first glance, it blends in with the surrounding row houses. But look closer, and it becomes clear that this townhouse is the odd one out. And that’s because it isn’t a residence at all.

This structure—58 Joralemon Street—is a fake townhouse. No one lives here. In fact, it’s owned and operated by the Transit Authority and serves as a critical piece of subway infrastructure beneath the streets of Brooklyn Heights.

While its exterior may seem ordinary, several details give it away: blacked-out windows, heavy metal plating at the base, and a massive, industrial-grade door that looks more suited to a fallout shelter than a 19th-century row house. It certainly gives off haunted-house vibes—but the real story is far more interesting.

The building was originally constructed in 1847 as a genuine residence. That changed in 1907, when it was purchased by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company—the IRT. And no, this wasn’t a random acquisition.

At the time, the IRT was expanding its subway network into Brooklyn under Contract 2. As part of that expansion, engineers constructed a pair of underwater tunnel tubes running parallel from Manhattan to Brooklyn. These tunnels required ventilation to function safely, so two major ventilation shafts were built: one in Manhattan at South Ferry in Battery Park, and the other right here—at Henry and Joralemon Streets—inside 58 Joralemon Street.

The IRT emptied the building’s interior and converted it into a ventilation facility because it sat directly above the Joralemon Street tunnel portal approach. Today, the structure still serves that purpose. The ventilation shaft also doubles as an emergency exit and is equipped with systems capable of supplying fresh air or extracting smoke in the event of a subway fire.

In 2006, 58 Joralemon Street was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized as the world’s last remaining Greek Revival subway ventilator. A hidden relic of New York’s transit history, masquerading as an ordinary townhouse.

Thanks for watching and as always, don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy uncovering hidden stories from the subway system. Until next time happy commuting.

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