Underground market, restaurant opens at Columbus Circle station

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Most people try to spend as little time as they can in a subway station, but now Columbus Circle in Manhattan gives you a good reason to stay, even if you aren't riding the train.

Head below ground at the station or arrive via any number of trains, and you can spend time shopping and eating.

Developer Susan Fine, who was behind creating the food and shopping experience at Grand Central Station 20 years ago, developed the subterranean marketplace dubbed Turnstyle. It is the newest endeavor in a 27,000-square foot stretch that the MTA let linger.

She saw the possibilities and spoke with more than 400 businesses owners to fill the spaces. There are seven small kiosks, 13 shops and nearly 20 eateries, like Ellary's Greens.

As many as 90,000 commuters pass through the Columbus Circle station each day, but the hope is that those above ground pop down too. The unusual location is what appealed to the owners of Project No. 8.

There's even an area for live performances, which might seem counter-intuitive for a subway station. But with plenty of room to eat and shop, you might want to linger yourself.

Turnstyle opens Tuesday and will be every day afterward.