For many years an elevated rail line, that ran about a mile between buildings on Manhattan’s west side, sat unused and decaying. It snaked through an area probably made most famous by the title of a Richard Rogers ballet, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue.
Then a small group of people came up with the stunning idea of turning it into a park. They managed to make a viable plan, raise money, rally the support of local landlords and obtain city approvals.The result is a unique and hugely popular public space.
The High Line did not spark the area’s resurgence, but it has certainly reinforced it.
Across the nation, other projects like Millenium Park in Chicago, IL, and Mitchell Park in Greenport, NY, have taken decayed and even brown field locations and turned them into vibrant public spaces. More communities should look into following suit.
The photos in the slide show were taken over an 18 month period.
If you have trouble running the slide show you can go to my web photo album for the High Line.
N David Milder
Even here in Forest Hills, there is now talk of doing a similar high line project on the abandoned train tracks! So cool! One can not underestimate how something "cool" can make a neighborhood special.
I am so happy I found your blog..I love stuff about cities.