Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The NYC High Line

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When my sister-in-law visited New York City from Arizona recently, to attend a Christening, we asked her what she would like to do with my husband and me one afternoon while she was free.  She asked to visit the High Line--the elevated railway viaduct, originally built in 1934 to carry freight trains, which is now entirely owned by the City of New York and which has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind space open to the public as an elevated park.  I blogged about the High Line once before, soon after it opened, which you can see on this post.



The first thing I noticed as we approached a High Line entrance, on Gansevoort Street, in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan, was how mature the trees and foliage have become since my last visit. Access points to visit the High Line, by stairs and some with elevators, are located every two to three blocks.



In 1999, neighborhood residents Robert Hammond and Joshua David created the community group called "Friends of the High Line" to advocate for the idea of this aerial walkway. The first section of the High Line opened on June 9, 2009.  It runs from Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street. The second section, which runs between West 20th and West 30th Streets, opened on June 8, 2011.  Now Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced that the City of New York has acquired the title to the third and final section of the High Line from CSX Transportation, Inc. The transfer of ownership brings the city one step closer to starting construction later this year that will complete the High Line as envisioned.



The old railway ties can still be seen in sections next to the walkways. The integrated landscape, designed by landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects  Diller Scofidio and Renfro, and planting designer Piet Oudolf, combines meandering concrete pathways with naturalistic plantings.



Fixed and movable seating, lighting, and special features are also included in the park which is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.



The High Line was enjoyed by many on our visit.



There was even wonderful cello music being played in one section by an enterprising musician.




There are also views of the Hudson River along the High Line.




My husband and his sister stopped on our walk-along to pose for a photo.



 I enjoyed the elevated views of the city and taking photos of the landmarks I saw along the way.



It was fun to try to frame the Empire State Building within a tower on a building.....




.....did I do a good job?



The entire High Line walkway is diverse in its design and has unexpected twists and turns that make you desire to continue walking to see more of it.



We enjoyed listening awhile to a Bluegrass duo singing in one section.






One can also enjoy some of the step-like seating in a few areas of the High Line, which allows you to observe the hustle and bustle of New York City through the glass as if you were seated in a theater.


Other areas had elevated seats that allow you to observe the crowds walking by.


There is also an element of humor along the High Line, and you can see from the mural on the side of a building and also...


......this collage of some of the other humorous sights we saw along the way.  Many surrounding building windows that were at the same height as the High Line walkway had cutouts in them of people waving.  Doesn't the "person" in the lower right window look real?  One rooftop (center bottom photo) had a "High Line Zoo" of cardboard animals placed on it for all to see, and the billboard ad for a parking lot in the upper left corner of this collage made us smile.


This sculpture seems to mimic the graffiti behind it.



The High Line's planting design is inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the out-of-use elevated rail tracks during the 25 years after trains stopped running. The species of perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees were chosen for their hardiness, sustainability, and textural and color variation, with a focus on native species.



Many of the species that originally grew on the High Line's rail bed are incorporated into the park's landscape


Walking the High Line is a unique experience and a way to view the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City.  If you visit NYC put it on your list of free places to visit, and I don't think you'll be disappointed!

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37 comments:

ellen b. said...

Wow that is very cool. It really does make for a unique, interesting walk about in the middle of the city. I like it!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Wonderful tour with you guys! So much to see! Would love to hear the cello music ~ it is my favorite instrument.

Great photos!

Unknown said...

Fantastic tour Pat! It never ceases to amaze me how much this area of the city has changed in the last 30 years.
♥, Susan

The Gathering Place said...

So many interesting places in your city. I guess when space is tight, people are more creative with it, using all levels. It is always fun to see something new- if I ever get to explore there I'll have a lot of fun choices.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I never realized that was there! If I ever get back to the city, I want to go walk it! Thanks for sharing such great photos.

black eyed susans kitchen said...

I just realized that when I loaned my computer to my daughter I did not sign her out on google...so the comment from Jenna is actually from me Pat...sorry if it confused you.

Snap said...

On the list! :D :D

Pondside said...

There was an article about the High Line in our paper some weeks ago. I think I'd look for it if I were to visit NYC.

From the Kitchen said...

This is such a beautiful idea. I've heard that Chicago has a similar plan in the works. It will be interesting to see how it develops.

Best,
Bonnie

Barbara F. said...

Beautiful photos, Pat. I cannot believe the transformation from what it had turned into and what it looks like now. xo

Sarah said...

Amazing transformation. Thanks for my NYC fix for the day.....Sarah

Sarah said...

Amazing transformation. Thanks for my NYC fix for the day.....Sarah

Houseelf said...

I don't blame your sister in law wanting to visit such a lovely place. The plants look wonderful.

Mr Paul said...

What an incredibly clever idea and use of the space where its at a premium in Manhattan, just my cup of tea. I have noted it down for my next visit to experience it for myself.

Vee said...

Very cool. Now that my Boston niece is my NYC niece, I'll have to tell her about this and see if she knows about it yet. I like being the first one to tell her things. Ha!

Vee said...

Forgot to say that the sleeved Empire State Building was also
very cool. You did an excellent job of framing.

Paula's Postings said...

Another fab post Pat, we were lucky to visit the high line two years ago and my mum thought it was amazing. We are going back to NY in a couple of weeks and I can't wait to show it to my hubby.

pam said...

I LOVE this post. So wonderful in a city with so much concrete. Pat, you open my eyes/heart to so much beauty and good stuff. Thank you!

Arlenesfelt said...

We really enjoyed walking along The High Line. I've been thinking you would be blogging about it one of these days. I LOVE NYC, Thanks.

podso said...

You would certainly make a good guide for visitors to NYC! Such an interesting post!

GailO said...

The trees have grown a lot since the one time I have visited the High LIne! It is getting more and more beautiful!

diane b said...

I remember your last post on the High Line and the vegetation has grown well. It is a super idea and I wished I had known about it when I was in NY. It looks a great walk and resting place.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my gosh - I just loved to see all the sites there - thanks for the beautiful tour! sandie

Carol said...

Wonderful tour of the High Line! I'd love to visit there one of these days.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

That is neat, Pat... AND--it has to be an interesting way to see NYC ---from UP there!!!!

That is such a neat way to use the old rail lines... Great exercise also!!!!!

Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy

Tanna said...

GREAT use of this area!! I'm putting that on my "list" for should that visit ever come! And, it is getting more certain with every post like this. LOL! blessings ~ tanna

Cindy said...

What an amazing way to see a city! It looks like it would be a great place for people watching, and what a lovely way to put to use a place that was completely useless. I love it! I may have to see NYC one day! All of that green space is just beautiful. And certainly not what I think of when I think of NYC, but then you have already changed my opinion of the city over this last year or so.
Thanks so much for this very fun tour of the elevated walkway!
Hugs, Cindy

Lisa @ Grandmas Briefs said...

So many interesting things in this post. First, what a great walk. I'm sure it's thrilling for you to see the improvements made here and there. The musicians along the way are charming, I'm sure.

As I read your posts now, I'll be wondering how you're feeling photographing the place you'll eventually be leaving. Bittersweet, I'm sure.

Judy said...

It looks like the kind of city walk I would enjoy...complete with the street musicians!

Tracy said...

The High Line is one of NYC's most amazing sights! Love all the lush plantings and variety to look at and enjoy. What a clever way to use a neglected feature. LOVE seeing the photo of your husband and his sister--sweet! :o) Happy Weekend, Pat ((HUGS))

Jackey said...

Like your post, I am enjoy reading your blog, thank you very much!
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Susie said...

Pat, I love this post. I never heard of these parks. It's wonderful. Smiles to you, Susie

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

What a beautiful transformation! Love the added green space and wonderful setting.

Yes, you did a great job of framing the Empire State building!

Claudia said...

How beautiful it is in the height of midsummer... worth another trip just to see your photos come alive! Gorgeous work!

annie said...

Wonderful. I have lived close to NYC my whole life and have seen less of it than tourists from far away!
Have a lovely weekend

Annesphamily said...

Pat as always you make oyur city come alive through your posts! Thanks for the nice share and giving us a peek at your family too!What fun!

Linda H said...

Thanks for the wonderful tour of the High Line. It's definitely on my list of spots to visit next time I'm in NYC. And yes you did a PERFECT job of framing the ESB.