High Line Park

In the city of skyscrapers, a pedestrian green oasis was born. We are talking about the High Line park, which was created by converting an old freight rail line from the 1930s, which was at risk of being demolished due to economic pressure from the landowners below it. A vibrant public space emerged, where not only curious tourists spend their time but also New Yorkers themselves. Often, events focusing on healthy, quality, and cultural dining are held here, which is commendable in a country known for hamburgers.
The elevated freight line was built in 1934 due to frequent traffic accidents on the ground level rail. Originally measuring 21 km, for fifty years it transported meat, milk, and other products between factories and warehouses. The line ran between 10th and 11th avenues, crossed 105 perpendicular streets, and at points passed directly through factory blocks. It spanned three neighborhoods - the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea, and Hell's Kitchen. Gradually, this industrial zone became a place popular with artists and the underground, and the area surrounding the rail line transformed into galleries, studios, design shops, boutiques, restaurants, clubs, and residences. In 1999, a nonprofit organization, Friends of the High Line, was established by two local citizens, advocating for the preservation of this landmark within the layering of the city, as a testament to its time and the fact that Manhattan was not always a financial, fashion, and artistic center. The organization oversees daily maintenance, organizes cultural events, and maintains the spirit of the place. The park belongs to the city of New York and rightly falls under the Department of Parks and Recreation of New York City.
The park's project originated from the architectural office Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with the landscape architectural firm James Corner Field Operations, who won a competition in 2007 among 720 participants from 36 countries. The total length of today’s High Line park is about 2.5 km, stretching from Gansevoort Street (which is roughly at the level of 11th Street) to 30th Street. Reconstruction began in 2006 at the southern end, which opened in 2009. This summer (2011), the second section followed. After resolving property rights issues, a third, northernmost section of the former freight line, which extends to 34th Street, is likely to follow.

The architects' design was based on the character of the wild vegetation that had long been typical of the line during its period of inactivity. There are many types of different grasses and perennials, and at the southern end of the park, there is even a birch grove that provides pleasant shade in the concrete jungle of New York during the summer. Elsewhere, there are corners with pergolas or tall shrubs forming long green walls. The architects also included water features, present in various forms throughout the park, as well as observation terraces and spaces for larger cultural events. All the greenery was selected with regard to its shape, texture, changing colors, and overall sustainable ecosystem.
The structure of the entire High Line park is original - it was sufficiently load-bearing as it was designed for full freight rail traffic, requiring only a few minor repairs. However, first, the rubble, dirt, concrete, and waste accumulated there over the 25 years since its closure had to be removed. Some of the wild vegetation and tracks were returned to their place. The entire structure was cleaned and repainted in its original spirit. Waterproofing, a drainage system, sewage, electrical installations, and a new walking surface composition were implemented. The park's surface consists of concrete blocks resembling ties or long planks running in a linear direction, occasionally rising into benches or bending around preserved tracks. The wooden loungers on the original tracks are absolutely fascinating; they can be moved to cluster together according to the size and number of resting groups. Also noteworthy is a large glass window in front of which is a space resembling amphitheater seating, overlooking 10th Avenue and offering visitors a view of the unceasing bustle of the metropolis.
An evening walk is an experience, when the entire High Line park is illuminated by an energy-efficient LED lighting system. All lights are integrated into walking surfaces or railings. They light up the vegetation and pathways directly, creating a pleasant and safe guide without suppressing the view of the sparkling New York.
The entire park is barrier-free and has several accessible entrances. The total cost of repairing the abandoned rail was likely less than its demolition. The pedestrian space that has emerged in this car-congested New York is priceless.
Today, instead of the freight rail passing through warehouses and factories, you can stroll through the High Line park at a height of 9 meters above the street, across new residential blocks of renovated factory buildings, indulging in new views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, and the endless hustle of the city that never sleeps.