The High Line was built in the 1930s, as part of a massive public-private infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement. It lifted freight traffic 30 feet in the air, removing dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattan’s largest industrial district.
No trains have run on the High Line since 1980. Friends of the High Line, a community-based non-profit group, formed in 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition. Friends of the High Line works in partnership with the City of New York to preserve and maintain the structure as an elevated public park.

The project gained the City’s support in 2002. The High Line south of 30th Street was donated to the City by CSX Transportation Inc. in 2005. The design team of landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, created the High Line’s public landscape with guidance from a diverse community of High Line supporters. Construction on the park began in 2006. The first section, from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street, its now Open to the Public.

The green way is similar to the Promenade Plantée in Paris, a 4.5 km-long elevated park in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, France, constructed on an abandoned 19th-century railway viaduct. The High Line consists of three sections – the southernmost currently open runs from Gansevoort Street in the West Village to 20th Street. Upon completion, the entire park will extend to 34th Street.

An elevated Square is formed by the High Line’s crossing of the 10th Avenue at 17th Street.
By cutting down into the High Line’s deck, steps and ramps allow visitors to inhabit the structure. Views of the midtown and the Statue of Liberty can be enjoyed at this location.

The Sundeck (between 14th and 15th Streets) Offers unobstructed sun and views over the Hudson River. Rail tracks in the Sundeck Preserve, on the lower level, are reinstalled in plantings derived from the High Line’s self-sworn landscape. Water skins the upper walkway, providing visitors the opportunity to wade barefoot.

Moving to the north from the Gansevoort Entrance, the Washington Grasslands, between Little West 12th and 13th Streets, leads visitors to pass under The Standard, a new hotel that bridges over the High Line

The space where the High Line cuts through the Chelsea Market building, formerly a Nabisco factory, will be a site for public art. "The River That Flows Both Ways," by Spencer Finch, is the public art program’s inaugural work.

Here some Extra photos from the 10th Avenue Square

Once its opening is generally know, there is a concern of overuse – the design work is beautiful but delicate and rather fragile. The parkway is only 30 to 60 feet wide. If necessary, entry to the park maybe limited. We recommend visiting – please be gentle…

Check out my Flickr Slideshow for more pictures and Higher Resolution Images.
for more Info please visit: thehighline.org

j.martinez