21 July 2009

New York High Line

Bringing new meaning to the term 'scenic railway', a rusted, ruined train-line turned shrub-lined public walkway has opened its gates to huge acclaim in the centre of the Big Apple. Jess Noble reports.

Jess Noble is indesignlive's New York Correspondent.

For most, summer in New York City means inescapable heat, plenty of crowds and not a lot of shade. Enter the High Line, New York’s newest urban garden that has city-dwellers revelling in its greenery.

Sitting three stories above the gritty streets and hectic roads, this winding walkway runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District all the way up to 30th Street.

Designed by James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the walkway is the first of its kind in the USA. Officially opening its stage one portion to the public in June, the High Line is already a crowd favourite. Coffee vendors have set up shop close to seated timber decks and canopied sitting areas.

Landscaped gardens sit either side of in-built sun-beds, and concrete, timber and green landscaping all work to encase the original train tracks - purposefully visual to great effect.

In development since 2006, the total cost of the High Line is $152 million, funded in part by private donations and the city, state and federal governments.

The second portion (from 20th St to 30th St) is expected to open in 2010, making the whole walk over a mile long. When completed, the trail will take walkers from the Meatpacking District all the way through Hells Kitchen.

With full views of the Hudson River on one side, and the sky-scraping city (including the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building) on the other side, this little retreat might even be a contender for the coveted label of best views in town.

thehighline.org