SECTION 3 OF THE HIGH LINE & THE HUDSON RAIL YARDS
Straight ahead, at the end of the line, visitors can see the remaining untouched segments of the line as the rails wrap around four square blocks that currently serve as the Hudson Rail Yard, finally descending into the underused site at 34th Street by the Hudson River Parkway. A public plaza called The Lot just opened up to occupy the empty lot next to the High Line at 30th Street, and for the next month, it will serve up food, kids stuff and other recreation under the surreal inflated bouncy castle-esque installation created by FriendsWithYou. Installations and activities in the lot will change throughout the summer. We can’t wait to check this weirdness out!
Bouncy castles and gigantic inflatable Japanimation heads aside, the true promise of the end of the High Line lies in the last section which snakes around the Hudson Rail Yard and ends at the Javits Center. If and when Friends of The High Line acquires this site, the original High Line proposal can be completed, and a comprehensive connection between elevated park and city streets will finally be made. Yesterday, Tiffany & Co. donated $5 million to launch the “Rail Yards Challenge,” a fundraising effort to drive the development of Section 3. Two other long-time supporters of the High Line, Donald Pels and Wendy Keys, also pledged an additional $5 million.
Meandering through dense shrubs, ascending through canopies and putting its visitors on display, the High Line’s Section 2 does not disappoint. This extension preserves the sustainable mission behind the groundbreaking original elevated park while delivering a variety of surprises and new experiences that enhance visitors’ connection to the park and its vegetation. It also continues to add different perspectives from which to appreciate this incredible city. We highly recommend both sections of the High Line to anyone living in or visiting New York City – they’re not to be missed!
All photos © Inhabitat
+ The Friends of the High Line
+ High Line Coverage on Inhabitat
Thanks for the great photos and really extensive write-up! I think the new section looks great. I have some thoughts on some of the socio-economic and privatization issues. My thoughts on the High Line and other NYC parks here: http://mvmtbldg.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/what-kind-of-park/
What are the names of the trees and shrubs planted on the High Line? I was just there and am wondering about a specific tree. Someone said it was a smoke tree.