The High Line, located in the West Village, New York, is a linear park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. This innovative urban park stretches 1.45 miles from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street near the Javits Convention Center.
The High Line was inspired by the Promenade Plantée in Paris, a similar green space built on an elevated railway track. The project was spearheaded by the non-profit organization Friends of the High Line, founded by Joshua David and Robert Hammond in 1999.
The High Line’s transformation from a defunct rail line into an urban park began in 2006, with the first section opening in 2009. Designed by James Corner Field Operations with Diller Scofidio + Renfro and planting designer Piet Oudolf, the park features a variety of plant species, many of which are native to the area.
One of the lesser-known facts about the High Line is that it was originally constructed in the 1930s as part of the West Side Improvement Project. This project aimed to eliminate street-level rail crossings that were deemed dangerous, earning the area the nickname “Death Avenue.” The elevated rail line was used to transport meat, dairy, and produce directly to warehouses and factories, reducing traffic congestion and accidents.
The park is divided into several distinctive sections, each with its unique features. The Chelsea Market Passage offers food stalls and art installations, while the Diller - von Furstenberg Sundeck features a water feature where visitors can cool their feet. The Hudson Yards section includes the Spur, a large public plaza with rotating art installations.
Throughout its length, the High Line offers stunning views of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. Art is a significant component of the High Line experience, with rotating exhibitions and permanent installations curated by the High Line Art Program.
The park also plays a role in local wildlife conservation. The planting design mimics the self-seeded landscape that grew on the rail tracks after the trains stopped running, providing a habitat for various bird species and insects. The High Line’s sustainable practices include water features that recycle rainwater and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.
Interestingly, the High Line has sparked significant economic development in the surrounding neighborhoods. Real estate values have increased, and numerous new residential and commercial projects have emerged, transforming the West Village and adjacent areas into a vibrant urban hub.
The High Line's success has set a precedent for urban renewal projects worldwide, illustrating the potential of repurposing industrial infrastructure into dynamic public spaces.