Hasta La Ideas

Beginning with a dream in 1999 to save a 1.5-mile-long unused elevated rail structure running through NYC’s lower west side, Friends of The High Line founders Joshua David and Robert Hammond (pictured below, left) have a lot to smile about today with the opening of the new park and community space.

The High Line, which also offers a new bird’s eye view of the Hudson River, extends from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 20th Street—although 34th Street will eventually be the final stopping point. Designed by famed architects Diller, Scofidio + Renfro, the amazing public space has been reclaimed and refitted but keeps a semblance of the original state of the abandoned area with pathways resembling train tracks, weed-like plants and benches made of wood, concrete and steel.

The stairway entrance on Gansevoort Street leads pedestrians through the structure, past Spencer Finch‘s (pictured below, right) illustrious wall of multi-colored, light-changing glass panes entitled “The River That Flows Both Ways,” to an amphitheater at 18th Street that offers a view of the traffic going north on 10th Avenue.

A true neighborhood park and spectacular addition to NYC’s landscape, the hard work and dedication of everyone involved is an effort much appreciated by both residents and visitors.