Visions of Vibrancy: The High Line

[thelakelander]

Owned by the City of New York, the High Line is a public park programmed, maintained, and operated by Friends of the High Line, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/visions-of-vibrancy-the-high-line/

[jaxlongtimer]

To me, part of the appeal of the Highline isn't just that it is elevated, but that it is a very clever repurposing of a scheduled-to-be-demolished eye sore. 

The preservation of embedded rails, unique use of landscaping and water features, the diversity of functions, the adornment of art and sculptures, the never-boring travel over streets and through buildings and the cool views of the City and its attention-grabbing architecture that are not matched at street level makes every step on the structure a unique experience that never really gets old.

Not to be overlooked is the economic impact it has created, from becoming NYC's most visited attraction in short order to spurring billions of dollars in development along its pathway to further revitalizing a former industrial area of Manhattan.

We should have only a fraction of the vision, creativity and appreciation for history that brought this project to fruition in our fare city.  Say what you will about NYC, somehow it pulls out world-beating rabbits from the hat, time and again, over the last 200 or so years.  A real inspiration to those who pay attention.

[jcjohnpaint]

I highline platform is retry wide. Te skyway rail is pretty slender if I'm not mistaken. Can seem to see more than 1 person on there at a time.

[thelakelander]

The High Line was erected as a freight railroad, structurally supporting tons of freight being shipped in boxcars, refrigerated cars, etc. The Skyway serves a different purpose and was designed to not even support the weight of a modern streetcar. Two totally different animals altogether. As a result, the early 20th century shipping needs of the High Line, required it to be significantly wider and stronger than the light weight Skyway.

[jcjohnpaint]

Sorry, meant uselessness of converting the skyway to a highline type of Path.

[thelakelander]

No worries. Yes, it would be a uselessness project. Considering our climate, we'd be better off with an "Under" Line.