Robert Hammond: Building a park in the sky

TL;DR

The Highline, an old freight rail line in Manhattan, was transformed into a park that has generated economic value and inspired great architecture.

Transcript

The Highline is an old, elevated rail line that runs for a mile and a half right through Manhattan. And it was originally a freight line that ran down 10th Ave. And it became known as "Death Avenue" because so many people were run over by the trains that the railroad hired a guy on horseback to run in front, and he became known as the "West Side Co... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚂 The Highline was originally a freight line called "Death Avenue" due to frequent accidents. It was elevated and later abandoned. Friends of the High Line stepped in to save it.
• 🏞️ The goal of Friends of the High Line was to create a park inspired by the wildscape on top of the elevated rail line.
• 💰 An economic feasibility study was commissioned to make the case for the Highline. Initially projected to cost $100 million, it ended up costing $150 million. However, it has generated a half a billion dollars in tax revenue for the city.
• 🏙️ The Highline has inspired great architecture by renowned architects such as Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano, and Jean Nouvel. The Whitney Museum is also building their new museum at the base of the High Line.
• 🌳 Section two of the Highline is under construction and features an eight-foot-high flyover through a canopy of trees.
• 📸 The Highline used to be covered in billboards, but now it frames people and views of the city.
• ♂️ The Highline's true magic lies in the people who use it and how it transforms their experience of the city.
• 💞 New Yorkers, who typically don't hold hands in public, can be seen doing so on the Highline, showcasing the power of public space to bring people together.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the Highline transform from an abandoned railroad to a popular park?

The Highline was transformed through the efforts of the Friends of the High Line organization, which advocated for its preservation and repurposing into a park. This involved engaging the community, getting support from Mayor Bloomberg, and commissioning an economic feasibility study to make the case for its value to the city.

Q: How has the Highline contributed to the economic development of Manhattan?

The Highline has had a significant impact on the economic development of Manhattan. Initially estimated to generate $250 million in increased property values and taxes, it has actually created about a half a billion dollars in tax revenues for the city. It has also inspired the construction of notable architectural projects in the area.

Q: What design features and attractions does the Highline offer?

The Highline offers various design features and attractions, such as an amphitheater overlooking 10th Ave, a flyover with trees, and an innovative framing of views and people instead of billboards. The Highline also passes by buildings designed by renowned architects like Frank Gehry and Jean Nouvel.

Q: How has the Highline influenced people's experience of the city?

The Highline has transformed how people experience the city and interact with each other. It has become a place where New Yorkers hold hands, something they wouldn't typically do. This power of public space has made the Highline special and created a sense of community among its visitors.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Highline was originally a dangerous freight rail line known as "Death Avenue" and was abandoned in 1980.

• Two individuals started the Friends of the High Line organization to save and repurpose the rail line into a park.

• The High Line has been successful in terms of attracting visitors, generating economic value, and inspiring architectural developments in the area.