Alright, you're standing in front of one of the coolest urban transformations in New York City—the High Line! Once a forgotten piece of industrial infrastructure, it has been reborn as a stunning public park. Let’s dive into its rich history and what you can see around here.
A Bit of History
The High Line was originally constructed in the 1930s as part of a massive infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement Project, spearheaded by Robert Moses. Its purpose was to elevate dangerous freight trains above street level, reducing accidents and facilitating the transport of goods directly to factories and warehouses in Manhattan's Meatpacking District.
By the 1980s, the rise of interstate trucking rendered the High Line obsolete. Sections of the track were dismantled in the 1960s, and the remaining stretch fell into disuse. Nature began to reclaim the space, with wild grasses and plants sprouting up along the tracks.
In the late 1990s, a group of residents formed Friends of the High Line, advocating for its preservation and repurposing as a public space. Their efforts paid off, and in 2009, the first section of the High Line park opened to the public, designed by James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, with planting design by Piet Oudolf.
What to See
Now, let’s walk through some of the highlights you can enjoy:
1. Gansevoort Street to 20th Street
- Gansevoort Woodland: Start your journey with a lush, wooded area filled with birches, dogwoods, and other native plants. It's a great spot to escape the urban hustle.
- 10th Avenue Square and Overlook: This amphitheater-like space gives you a unique view of the bustling avenue below through its large glass window.
- Diller – von Furstenberg Sundeck & Water Feature: Named after Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller, who were major donors, this area features lounge chairs and a playful water feature where kids (and adults) can cool off.
2. 20th Street to 30th Street
- Chelsea Market Passage: This covered section runs alongside Chelsea Market, a food hall filled with delicious eateries. You can often find art installations here.
- The Lawn: A green space perfect for picnicking, sunbathing, or just relaxing.
- 23rd Street Lawn and Seating Steps: A great place to sit and watch the world go by, with a view of the nearby architecture.
- Chelsea Thicket: A densely planted area where you can enjoy a more intimate walk among trees and shrubs.
3. 30th Street to the Rail Yards
- Spur: This area features the Plinth, an area designated for rotating art installations.
- Interim Walkway: This section has been left largely in its natural state, giving you a glimpse of what the overgrown High Line looked like before it was transformed.
- Hudson Yards: The High Line curves around the massive Hudson Yards development, giving you a view of the Vessel, a honeycomb-like structure that's become a new city landmark.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Art Installations: The High Line is also an outdoor gallery. You’ll find sculptures, murals, and other artworks scattered throughout, with new pieces rotating in regularly.
- Wildlife: The diverse plantings attract a variety of birds and insects, making it a surprisingly good spot for urban wildlife watching.
- Rail Tracks: Look down and you'll see some of the original rail tracks incorporated into the design, a nod to the High Line's industrial past.
- Seasonal Plantings: Designed by Piet Oudolf, the plantings change with the seasons, ensuring that there's always something in bloom or interesting foliage to admire, no matter when you visit.
- Sunset Viewing: The High Line offers some of the best sunset views in the city, particularly from the 10th Avenue Square and the Diller – von Furstenberg Sundeck.
Fun Facts
- Celebrity Sightings: Given its popularity, don't be surprised if you bump into a celebrity enjoying a stroll.
- Movie Star: The High Line has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, further cementing its status as a New York icon.
- Community Events: From yoga classes to stargazing nights, the High Line hosts a variety of events that cater to all interests.
So, there you have it—a blend of history, nature, art, and urban life all wrapped into one elevated park. Enjoy your stroll along the High Line!