The new park, called The High Line, leads pedestrians on a concrete path surrounded by intentionally messy-looking gardens or stark, clear views of the city and Hudson River. Though architects, community members and celebrity donors have been meticulously planning the look and feel of The High Line for years, there's an unfinished quality about New York's newest public, open space that is an homage to The High Line's past.
The space has been an eyesore for nearly 30 years, collecting weeds and almost getting torn down by the city. Prior to that, it had been an above-ground railroad, and some of the tracks remain intact.
There are only four access points to The High Line. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the meatpacking district up to 20th Street in Chelsea. This roughly half-hour walk is only part of The High Line master plan. Section 2 will continue up to 30th Street, and is currently under construction.
The cost of the mile-and-a-half long stretch of Section 1 was $86 million, and the entire, finished project is estimated to cost $152 million. While the city chipped in for more than half of the cost, it's been getting major help from celebrities. Mogul Barry Diller and fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg donated $10 million together, and prompted other New Yorkers to pledge millions.
The High Line began as a long-shot dream of an organization called Friends of the High Line, which formed in 1999. Now, the new park is attracting tons of attention, with star architects lining up to build unique structures in Chelsea. As a result, Chelsea is quickly becoming one of the hottest locations to see new, inventive architecture in New York.
