The High Line

Photo Source: Telegraph Media Group

Spanning 30 feet above the streets, the High Line winds through the skyline of New York’s West Side.  Built in the 1930’s, this elevated freight line served for many decades as the main transportation source for goods to and from New York’s Meatpacking District.  In the later part of the century, freight was converted to be shipped by truck along the rapidly expanding interstate system and the High Line became nothing more than a reminder of New York’s contribution to the Industry Revolution. 

By 1990, the decommissioned High Line was rusty and overgrown with vegetation.  Many businesses and residents of the West Side considered the High Line a community eye sore and petitioned the city to tear it down.  But two locals, Robert Hammond and Joshua David, saw something different.  They created Friends of the High Line and recruited artists, architects, community residents and city leaders to create an elevated park out of the abandon tracks. 

The hard work and efforts of Friends of the High Life has paid off.  On June 8, 2009 Mayor Bloomberg cut the ribbon officially opening the first phase of the park.  The nine-block stretch of track, full of lush vegetation and trendy architecture, now offers park visitors a modern garden in the sky with unique views of the historic New York District (video).  Mayor Bloomberg announced at the ceremony, “Rather than destroying this valuable piece of our history, we have recycled it into an innovative and exciting park that will provide more outdoor space for our citizens and create jobs and economic benefits for our city.”  The 3-phase $150 million public renovation project is expected to be completed around 2015.