Early this year, I discovered a really cool initiative to re-purpose an out-of-use freight railway and turn it into a beautiful, raised walkway. You can see images and videos of this project in it’s concept stage in my original post.

I got an opportunity to experience the High Line first-hand a month ago and was far from disappointedd. Though the website, blog and image gallery do paint an impressive picture and give insight into the history of this initiative, I gotta say, nothing could have prepared me for this experience. Well let’s take a walk shall we?

Here we are approaching the Gansevoort St. Entrance, the southern most point of the High Line; diners and small cafes rest comfortably next to elevator and staircase entrances.

Only a third of the High Line was completed on this visit.

Just… wow… I love how they incorporated the original rails into the walkways and garden.

The walkways tapered into the garden areas while the benches seamlessly push upward in the same fashion.

Looks like ITC Lubalin Graph Std Rockwell (thanks Greg) is the typeface of choice for the High Line. I love how the name of the street you’re above is engraved in the hand rail (top picture).

Unfortunately, all the deck chairs were taken, looks pretty cozy though. Some are attached to train wheels which can be rolled along the exposed tracks??
Probably not, but a fun idea.

A little ways in, you can rest in this cut-out seating area. Looks like a nice place to spend some quality time with a book.
Oh, there was a magician there that day too…

The first section ends with a nice little garden area and a view of the sunset over the Hudson. I can’t wait to go back for the second section!
Overall, it was a delightful experience. A leisurely stroll above the city is a nice break from the bustle below. If your in Manhattan anytime soon, I highly recommend checking it out.

]]> http://asmith3.com/blog/2009/visiting-new-yorks-high-line/feed/ 4 http://asmith3.com/blog/2009/friends-of-the-high-line/ http://asmith3.com/blog/2009/friends-of-the-high-line/#comments Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:45:28 +0000 Avery Smith http://asmith3.com/blog/?p=46

Stretching 1.45 miles long and rising 18-30 feet above such neighborhoods as Hell’s Kitchen/Hudson Yards, West Chelsea, and the Gansevoort Market Historic District, The High Line (built in the 1930′s) was originally just a freight train line connecting factories and warehouses.

Falling into disuse in the 1980′s, the High Line is now in the process of renewal thanks to Field Operations (landscape architects) and Diller Scofidio + Renfro (architects) into a public open place and recreation area.

Friends of the High Line

The Highline Slideshow

Highline Project on Flickr

FaceOut Books: Jules Verne Series