Grand Street and the Bowery." The street's center mall, along with that of Pike Street, was reconfigured in 2009. Parts of that mall were reconstructed completely in 2011. Transportation A portion of the elevated IRT Second Avenue Line, commonly known as the Second Avenue El, was constructed over Allen Street's current southbound roadway (then the entire street) from Houston Street to Division Street in 1878, blocking out most of the light from the then-narrow street. The elevated railway was taken down in 1942. Currently, the nearest subway stations are Grand Street station, three blocks west at Chrystie Street ( trains) and Delancey Street – Essex Street station, three blocks east at Essex Street ( trains). Also, at the corner of East Houston Street and Allen Street, there are multiple entrances to the Second Avenue station ( train). There is also an intercity bus station at 84-86 Allen Street. Allen Street is served in its entirety by the M15/M15 SBS bus routes. Part of Pike Street, down to Madison Street, is also serviced by the M15. References Notes External links Allen Street Storefronts (A Journey through Chinatown) New York Songlines: First Avenue with Allen Street New and Improved Allen Street Bikeway and Plazas Community Visioning Study for Allen Street Pedestrian Malls - 2008 Chinatown, Manhattan Streets in Manhattan Lower East Side