Originally to be called Tenley Circle, in February 1980 the Metro Board officially changed its name to Tenleytown.[3] The station opened on August 25, 1984.[4][5] Its opening coincided with the completion of 6.8 miles (10.9 km) of rail northwest of the Van Ness–UDC station and the opening of the Bethesda, Friendship Heights, Grosvenor and Medical Center stations.[4][5][6] In May 1989, although objected to by several community groups, the Metro Board officially changed its name to Tenleytown–AU due to its proximity to American University.[7] The $63,500 cost of changing the names on signs, pylons and maps throughout the system was paid for by the District government.[7]
Station layout
This station uses the four-coffer arch design found at most underground stations on the western side of the Red Line. It is one of 11 stations constructed using rock-tunneling methods, lying more than 100 feet (30 m) below the surface.[8][9]
Two entrances on either side of Wisconsin Avenue meet at an upper mezzanine, converging into a set of three long escalators that travel down to the fare control. An elevator adjacent to the eastern surface entrance travels down directly to the platform, with a single faregate and ticket machine to access the platform proper. The separate accessible and general entrances are a relative rarity in the Washington Metro system; only Rosslyn and Takoma stations share this feature.
^Staff Reporters (February 15, 1980). "Metro station to be named Tenleytown". The Washington Post. p. A6.
^ abStaff Reporters (August 25, 1984). "Red Line adds 6.8 miles; Opening ceremony for new segment set for today at Friendship Heights". The Washington Post. p. B1.
^ abBrisbane, Arthur S. (August 26, 1984). "All aboard; Metro festivities welcome latest Red Line extension". The Washington Post. p. A1.