Shaw–Howard University station
| Company type | Washington Metro station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | May 11, 1991 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
Area served | Shaw neighborhood, Howard University, Washington, D.C. |
| Owner | Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority |
| Parent | Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority |
Shaw–Howard University station serves as a stop on the Washington Metro's Green Line, catering to the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C., as well as Howard University.
Situated in Northwest Washington, D.C., this station is positioned along 7th Street between R and S Streets, just outside the limits of the Shaw Historic District. In 2023, it recorded an average daily ridership of about 2,306 passengers, placing it 46th among the 98 stations managed by WMATA. The subterranean facility includes a single island platform serving two tracks and provides access to several Metrobus lines. Additionally, it supports cyclists with Capital Bikeshare services and six bicycle racks. The station commenced operations on May 11, 1991, remains fully accessible, and is under the ownership of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
Transit-oriented development
Similar to other Green Line stations located between and , Shaw has undergone notable transformation driven by transit-oriented development. This has stimulated economic expansion and increased housing density, though it has also raised concerns regarding accelerated gentrification.
Prominent developments include Progression Place and CityMarket at O, which catalyzed growth during the early 2010s. Progression Place occupies formerly vacant land near the station’s northern entrance and comprises of office space anchored by the UNCF, alongside 205 residential units marketed as "7th Flats," plus of retail area.
CityMarket at O revitalized the historic O Street Market district between 7th, 9th, O, and P Streets NW, delivering of retail space and 629 housing units.
History
The station initially opened under the name "Shaw" on May 11, 1991, as part of the Green Line extension moving north from Gallery Place–Chinatown to U Street. The alignment beneath 7th Street was incorporated into plans in 1967 to improve transit access to the "inner city." Although originally anticipated to open in 1977, downtown Green Line stations were delayed until their launch in 1991. Construction involved a cut-and-fill tunneling method beneath 7th and U Streets, which posed challenges for maintaining traffic flow and pedestrian movement during building.
On May 7, 2023, following a comprehensive overhaul of the Potomac River bridge and tunnel near , the northeastern endpoint of the Yellow Line was truncated from to . As a result, Yellow Line trains ceased stopping at Shaw station. However, plans indicate some Yellow Line service will resume extending to Greenbelt by December 2025.
Station layout
Shaw–Howard University is an underground Metro station featuring an island platform with two points of entry: one located at the intersection of 7th and S Streets (north side), and another on R Street between 7th and 8th Streets (south side). The station is distinguished by its signature "waffle" ceiling vault design with 22 coffers—a characteristic shared with stations such as , , and .
External links
- The Schumin Web Transit Center: Shaw–Howard Univ Station
- S Street entrance from Google Maps Street View
- R Street entrance from Google Maps Street View
- Stations on the Green Line (Washington Metro)
- Washington Metro stations in Washington, D.C.
- Railway stations in Washington, D.C., at university and college campuses
- Railway stations in the United States opened in 1991
- 1991 establishments in Washington, D.C.
- Railway stations located underground in Washington, D.C.
- Shaw (Washington, D.C.)