The High Line: the second phase

The High Line runs through three of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighborhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen/Clinton. When the High Line was built in the 1930s, these neighborhoods were dominated by industrial and transportation uses. Now many of the warehouses and factories have been converted to art galleries, design studios, retailers, restaurants, museums, and residences.

Last week the highly-anticipated second phase of the High Line opened to the public.

The expansion of the freight rail turned promenade between Gansevoort and 20th Streets opened two years ago. It spans 10th Avenue between 20th and 30th Streets, doubles the length of the existing park. New features include the High Line’s first lawn, elevated catwalks and a 30th Street cut-out that lets visitors view the traffic rushing beneath their feet.

The one-mile garden in the sky winds 30 feet above the street through the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and Hells Kitchen.

Onlookers who wandered the grounds were thrilled with the spectacular view, the beautiful landscaping and more places to sit, such as the teak Seating Steps beside the 23rd Street Lawn. The Lawn also offers the High Line’s only river-to-river vantage point.

The High Line’s second phase features a temporary public plaza beneath 30th Street dubbed “The Lot” which serves beer and wine from Colicchio & Sons. A rotating fleet of food trucks such as The Taco Truck and Red Hook Lobster will also serve the square.

Vendors of the High Line’s first phase include: People’s Pops at the Chelsea Market Passage, on the High Line near West 16th Street who returns to the High Line after their successful debut during a trial run in 2010. They create Greenmarket fruit-based ice pops and shaved ice, transforming local, sustainably grown fruits and herbs into creative and delicious home-made treats. Also a favorite is La NewYorkina at The Lawn, on the High Line near West 23rd Street. Inspired by the flavors of the chef-owner’s native Mexico, La Newyorkina has taken the old and made it new with paletas (ice pops) in flavors that range from mango-chili to hibiscus to fresh coconut.

Now on view at the High Line you can see public art exhibits which include:SARAH SZE, STILL LIFE WITH LANDSCAPE (MODEL FOR A HABITAT)

June 8, 2011 – June, 2012

On the High Line, between West 20th and West 21st Streets

Sarah Sze presents a an elaborate architectural sculpture that allows park visitors to physically enter and pass through the space it outlines, while also attracting birds, butterflies, and insects with perches, feeding spots, and birdbaths.

JULIANNE SWARTZ, DIGITAL EMPATHY

June 8, 2011 – June, 2012

Located within the water fountains, elevators, and public bathrooms on the High Line

Julianne Swartz presents a sound piece that greets visitors with messages of empathy and love in the park’s bathrooms, water fountains, and elevators.

LANDSCAPE WITH PATH

JOEL STERNFELD, A RAILROAD ARTIFACT, 30TH ST, MAY 2000

June 2 – 30, 2011

Billboard east of the High Line at West 18th Street

LANDSCAPE WITH PATH

JOEL STERNFELD, A RAILROAD ARTIFACT, 30TH ST, MAY 2000

June 2 – 30, 2011

Billboard east of the High Line at West 18th Street

An iconic photograph by Joel Sternfeld presents the first work in Landscape with Path, a series of three commissioned banners for a billboard next to the High Line.

KIM BECK,SPACE AVAILABLE

March 4, 2011 – January, 2012

Rooftops along Washington Street, between Gansevoort Streets and West 13th Streets

Kim Beck presents three sculptures resembling the skeletal framework behind advertising billboards.

STEPHEN VITIELLO,A BELL FOR EVERY MINUTE

June 23, 2010 – June 20, 2011

14th Street Passage

Artist Stephen Vitiello presents a multi-channel sound installation for which he has recorded bells all over New York City and beyond.

These exhibits make the High Line a cultural art center.

Whether you choose to visit the High Line for its parks, views, art, design studios, retailers, museums, restaurants and food trucks — or to live there, the High Line is one of New York City’s interesting new neighborhoods enjoyed by New Yorkers and its visitors.

WATCH THIS GREAT INTRO VIDEO TO THE HIGH LINE 2