NoMa–Gallaudet U station
| Company type | Washington Metro station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | November 20, 2004 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
Area served | Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Red Line |
| Owner | Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority |
| Website | www |
NoMa–Gallaudet U station is an elevated station featuring an island platform on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro system. It occupies the same embankment as the Amtrak lines that head toward Union Station. Serving the Red Line, this station is situated between Union Station and Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood. In 2023, NoMa–Gallaudet U was ranked as the ninth most frequented station, with an average of 6,593 daily boardings, making it the busiest among elevated stops.
Positioned close to where New York Avenue intersects with Florida Avenue in Northeast Washington, D.C., the station caters to the mixed-use residential and commercial district known as NoMa. Located within a commercial zone along Florida Avenue, it commenced operations on November 20, 2004, originally named New York Ave–Florida Ave–Gallaudet U. This was WMATA’s inaugural infill station, preceding the 2023 opening of Potomac Yard, and marked the first instance of construction funded through a public-private partnership. The development also included completing a segment of the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
History
The station was not included in the initial Red Line section inaugurated in 1976. By 1996, proposals emerged for a Metro stop at New York Avenue as part of comprehensive upgrades along New York Avenue stretching from Downtown Washington to Maryland’s border. In February 1999, key local landowners agreed in principle to contribute roughly $25 million via special tax assessments within a half-mile radius to support funding. With an estimated total cost of $84 million, financing combined $25 million from federal sources, $34 million from the District government, and $25 million from private assessments, allowing construction to move forward.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on December 16, 2000, attended by Mayor Anthony A. Williams and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. By May 2002, WMATA awarded a design-build contract to a joint venture comprising Lane Construction, Slattery, and Skanska. Working on an active rail line led to some delays on the Red Line during installation of a double crossover switch. In January 2004, the station’s name was updated from New York Ave to New York Ave–Florida Ave–Gallaudet U to better represent its location near Florida Avenue and its proximity to Gallaudet University.
Opening on November 20, 2004, it became Metro’s 84th station and first infill addition, shortly before the launches of Morgan Boulevard and Largo. The final expenditure totaled $103.7 million, with federal and private sectors each contributing $25 million and the District government providing $53.7 million. The station’s debut catalyzed substantial growth within the NoMa neighborhood. On November 3, 2011, it was renamed NoMa–Gallaudet U and was officially dedicated under this title on June 13, 2012.
Future improvements
Upcoming plans involve building a pedestrian tunnel connecting the north entrance beneath the embankment to the east side of the tracks, with construction anticipated to start in 2028.
Station layout
NoMa–Gallaudet U station is situated near the intersection of New York Avenue and Florida Avenue in Northeast Washington, within the NoMa neighborhood, which combines residential and commercial spaces. Positioned in a commercial zone along Florida Avenue, the station's architecture incorporates lessons from Metro's operational history, utilizing a canopy constructed from white-painted steel plate trusses and glass rather than traditional concrete. Unlike older stations that rely on a single elevator, this facility includes two elevators to ensure continuous service in case one becomes inoperative, thereby preventing the need for shuttle services.
The station accommodates multiple modes of transportation, offering ten bicycle racks, 28 lockers, Zipcar carsharing options, and access to several Metrobus lines.
Public art
As part of MetroArts, the Art in Transit initiative by Metro, the station showcases several artistic installations.
Journeys
At the 2nd Street entrance stands a 27 ft tall aluminum sculpture shaped like a scarlet oak leaf, crafted by sculptor Barbara Grygutis. Flanking both sides of the sculpture is the poem "Journeys" by Washington’s poet laureate Dolores Kendrick: "Go slowly in taking the steps, and fast when counting stars." Grygutis also designed an adjacent 500 ft steel fence decorated with glass leaves inspired by Washington's abundant tree canopy and the scarlet oak, which is recognized as the official tree of the District.
Notable places nearby
- McKinley Technology High School (DCPS)
- District of Columbia Public Schools central office
- Gallaudet University
- Union Market
- Headquarters of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Headquarters of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission