The High Line, located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, is an elevated linear park, greenway, and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan. The High Line is built on a disused, elevated section of the New York Central Railroad's West Side Line, which was constructed in the early 1930s to lift dangerous freight trains off Manhattan’s streets.
In 1999, local residents Joshua David and Robert Hammond founded the non-profit organization Friends of the High Line to advocate for the High Line's preservation and reuse as public open space. The project gained significant support and received a design by James Corner Field Operations, with planting design by Piet Oudolf and architectural design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
Spanning 1.45 miles (2.33 km), the High Line extends from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street near the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The park features various gardens, walkways, and public spaces, with a diverse array of native and adaptive plants that change with the seasons. The design intentionally preserves elements of the original railway, such as the tracks and steel framework, creating a unique blend of historical and modern elements.
The High Line is known for its various art installations, performances, and cultural events. The park has hosted works by numerous artists, including Spencer Finch's "The River That Flows Both Ways," which features panes of glass inspired by the Hudson River. The High Line also features murals and sculptures that rotate periodically, offering visitors a dynamic cultural experience.
The success of the High Line has spurred significant real estate development in the surrounding area, often referred to as the "High Line Effect." This includes the development of luxury residences, hotels, and commercial spaces such as the Hudson Yards complex. Additionally, the project has inspired similar urban renewal projects globally, including the Goods Line in Sydney and the Promenade Plantée in Paris.
Despite its popularity, the High Line has faced criticism for contributing to gentrification and rising property prices in the area, which some argue have displaced long-term residents. Nevertheless, the High Line remains a significant example of urban reclamation and innovative public space design.
The park is open year-round and attracts millions of visitors annually, making it one of New York City's most visited tourist attractions. The High Line continues to evolve, with new sections and features being added to enhance the visitor experience and maintain its status as a premier urban park.