High & Low Line

There is a feature in NYC that could be deemed a tourist trap, but is probably worth the visit anyway.

And there's actually two separate locales:

The first, and more popular, is the High Line.

It's exactly what it sounds like. An old train line above the street....

It used to be a part of the New York Central Railroad running up the west side of Manhattan. Part of the railroad was demolished in the 60s and more in the 90s, but then in 2006 it was decided to turn it into an above ground park or promenade. (It was inspired by a similar park in Paris) The first portion opened in 2009, and the full project was complete in 2011.

But enough of the history lesson...

Why should you go visit?


Its a very unique park. I've never come across anything like it. Its a bit of a haven in the middle of a bunch of tall buildings, and depending on how far you walk along you can see the heart of Chelsea (perhaps stop at Chelsea Market), catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, see the Hudson river and even get your feet wet at the water features.

The water feature is a couple of benches long the edge of the main walk way that have water running underneath... Only like a centimeter of water. Just enough to be dip your toes into.

High Line between 23rd and 15th Street

There's a medley of plant life: trees, flowers, grasses; urban artwork, benches to sit and enjoy the views, hidden pieces of rail and an area of kiosks to buy a trinket or souvenir, ice cream or some coffee, and there's even a little place to get a drink right on the High Line (15th St.) You can stop at the observatory near 16th Street and watch the cars below. It's kind of like a zoo exhibit where you're not sure if you're the animal or the street below is....
(Actually, it was built as a 'live billboard' because the High Line used to have multiple billboards blocking the views. Thankfully, not anymore.


You can walk the whole length or just a portion of it.
     The southern entrance is at Washington St and Gansevoort St in the village.
           [Closest subway is A/C/E train, 14th street stop]
     The next two entrances (elevators too) are 10th Ave. & 14th Street and 10th Ave & 16th St.
     There are stairs along 10th Avenue at 18th St., 20th St., 23rd St., 26th St., and 28th St.
     One more stair entrance at 30th St. & 11th Ave.
     The northern entrance (handicap accessible) is at 34th St. between 11th and 12th Avenue.

TIP: Take it from a native, if you want to really enjoy the High Line, with minimal crowds, hope for rain. When its cloudy and rainy, the High Line clears of tourists and its the best time to really meander at your own pace. On sunny days, especially during the summer, it will be crowded and
you'll have strangers in all of your pictures. Now, I know you can't summon rain, but keep it in mind.

If my banter isn't quite specific enough, go find more info here: thehighline.org


I mentioned two locations... But, the second location is still a concept.

It's called the Low Line (Such an ingenious name, I wonder where they got the inspiration, Hah!)

But it is meant to be a book end of sorts for the High Line. But where the High Line is above the street by about a story, the Low Line will be ... can you guess?? ... Under the street.

The concept is to create an underground park in an abandoned trolley station that was built in 1908 and in disuse since 1948. But instead of trying to light this dank space with electricity (Can you say expensive?), there is new technology being developed to bring in natural light from above the street and dispersed underground.

Right now, the only space that you can visit is the Low Line Lab in Lower Manhattan on the east side. (near Delancey St.)

I was in the area the other day, so I said "Why not?" and  decided to check it out.

This picture (left) is from inside the Low Line Lab.

They're using sunlight collectors on the roof, a set of tubes and mirrors to direct the sunlight, and a distributor (that large white, bee hive looking thing) to spread the sunlight out over the plant life.


The idea is awesome! The technology is top notch. It would be really awesome to reclaim this unused space for the public.

Since its a relatively strange idea, it has taken some time to get the permission, and the planning committee is still in talks with the MTA and NYC city government. But the timeline is set for park completion in 2020.

Until it opens, go check out the Low Line Lab. (Donation suggested for entry)

For more info and some cool conceptual images, visit: lowline.org

Thanks for reading.

Until next time.