Environmental Science and Technology of NYC

The High Line: The View from the Top

David Binder, chose the name less for a proximity to the High Line than for their philosophical alignment with the park. “The High Line is very much about aesthetics and design,” says Binder. “We’re trying to be as well.” –NY Mag

The High Line was originally built in the 1930s as a elevated track system for freight trains carrying raw materials straight into warehouses and factories along the west side of Manhattan to the Meatpacking District. Interstate trucking soon became more popular and by 1980 the High Line was no longer in use. In 1999, the community group Friends of the High Line was formed to advocate turning the it into an elevated park. The city finally agreed and the park opened on June 2009. The second section of the High Line is slated to be completed in 2011.

The High Line showcases many plant species and parts of the old tracks. The benches are made from sustainable sources. The High Line is a public park that is privately-managed by Friends of the High Line.

The High Line is a great example of sustainability because they have reused part of the urban landscape to make it more environmentally friendly. The location is easily accessible which is socially acceptable. Also the park is encouraging more development in that area so that visitors will have a better view, which is good for the economy.

Location and Size: What are we talking about here?

The park is a 1.45 mile stretch that covers a former section of the West Side Line railroad. The park currently goes from Gansevoort Street, up to 20th Street. Development is currently underway, and the park is to extend up to 30th street, and curved west to the Javits Center on 34th Street. The High Line’s development is part of Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to spruce up the city through the creation of parks. The park will not contain any recreational facilities, and does not permit biking, rollerblading, etc. It is to be a pedestrian only zone

So, why has New York chosen to spend an already dwindling budget on the High Line Park? What does the city hope to gain out of this new park, and which New York citizens (and non-New York citizens) will be benefiting from the project?

Let’s take a closer look.

Who’s who in the neighborhood?

The population surrounding the High Line is well educated, 55.1% having completed college or higher. Median household income in the 2000 census was $49,932 and has been on a steady rise. Majority of the residents are white at 74.1%. Overall, the area has a string economic and social foundation. The creation of the park needed this sort of foundation, and with it would further boost the neighborhood.

“[Douglas Oliver] was an early supporter of the Friends of the High Line, making what he describes as a “substantial” donation. “A lot of good’s come out of the High Line,” he says. “This is a gold mine. The landlords should be thanking them.”–NY Mag

Real estate values, according to experts in the industry are expected to boom. Real estate owners already feel the park’s positive effects on real estate values. “For those who thought that area was a flash in the pan, something that already happened, they’re going to be pleasantly surprised with the next dimensions of the change in that neighborhood, said Joseph J. Sitt, the chief executive of Thor Equities, a real estate development company that owns 446 West 14th Street, which connects directly to the High Line.

Construction by the park is already being planned. “There’s a lot of high-net-worth individuals running around, and they want high-end space to work in,” said Mr. Bergey, who specializes in leases of office space in Chelsea, the meatpacking district and the West Village. When finished about 14 months from now, Mr. Blaichman’s building will have 100,000 square feet of office space to lease for $100 to $125 a square foot annually as well as 8,000 square feet of retail space at $400 a square foot, Mr. Adjmi said. The project is expected to cost about $55 million. Two retail stores will occupy the ground floor of 450 West 14th Street. Interest has been expressed by high-end fashion retailers, Mr. Blaichman said. The tenants will be half a block away from the Diane Von Furstenberg store at 874 Washington Street. Ms. Furstenberg’s son, Alex, is a partner with Mr. Blaichman in the 450 West 14th Street project. Mal Serure, is the third partner.”

Life is looking pretty nice from the High Line Park.

1. All images courtesy of Google Images.