New York City covers a region of hills, rivers, and valleys making planning of subway routes complicated depending on location as routes had to rise and ascend gradually. In Northern Manhattan the topographical elevations were much higher than low lying neighborhood counterparts. The construction and design of the Dyckman Street Station as an embankment elevated station was for this sole reason. During the time of this construction image of the incomplete station the area was still underdeveloped in many parts. With the opening of new subway stations and greater transit options, the neighborhood grew vastly. The Dyckman Street Station opened March 12, 1906. In the background of the image you can make out the Kingsbridge Power Plant which provided the electricity to run the trolleys of the Third Avenue Railway Company