The High Line

Chelsea is best known for its art galleries; hundreds of separate galleries, including Agora Gallery, are based there, making the area one of the richest in the world in terms of sheer diversity of contemporary art. Its success as an art district has been such that people visit the area just to stroll around and enjoy themselves doing a bit of ‘art tourism’.

But now there’s a new reason to spend time in Chelsea; the new High Line park project has become open to the public, and so far it seems to have been an instant hit. The process of renovation started in 2006, and excitement has been growing since then – you may remember an article in ARTisSpectrum about it and other West Chelsea developments, and in fact the past three issues of ARTisSpectrum have all featured the High Line on their front covers.

So, what is the High Line? Well, originally it was a railway line, going from 34th Street to Spring Street – connecting factories and warehouses that produced or stored all kinds of goods, including meat, milk and manufactured products. What made it unusual was that it ran up in the air – hence its name. It was developed because of the great danger involved in transporting such cargo by means of freight trains along at street level – in a busy city like New York, even before cars were commonplace, you can imagine the potential for disaster. So many accidents occurred that 10th Avenue was for a time called ‘Death Avenue’ in recognition of this. The High Line was the answer – a safe way to transport goods, high above people’s heads and well above street level.

After a time, though, other safe methods of transportation came into use, and the High Line was no longer necessary. The last trains ran along its tracks in 1980, and for some time it lay forgotten. Wild grasses and trees sprang up. When Chelsea began reviving in the 1990s, property developers proposed demolishing it, with the result that in 1999, the Friends of the High Line group, led by Joshua David and Robert Hammond, was formed to propose turning the old line into a modern community space.

The project was approved, the result of enthusiasm, dedication and a lot of effort from the Friends of the High Line, and a few weeks ago the High Line became open once more, this time as an innovative space for the public to relax in and enjoy. It’s a promenade, where people can take time out of their busy lives in this bustling city to wander and enjoy something a bit different.

The developers made the decision to leave reminders of the High Line’s history, so you can see tracks, preserved (though now all shiny!) running along parts of the path, while the wild plants that made their way there during its period in the wilderness also feature to add their touch of green, along with newer, cultivated plants.

They’ve made full use of the fact that the new promenade is, after all, up in the air. There are places where you can sit and enjoy the view, watching the city play out its day before your eyes. There’s also the novelty of being able to see the tops of buildings that ordinarily tower above you! There are plenty of places to sit and relax – and even an area where the seats are crafted like beach chairs. (As a matter of fact, some people seem to take the hint literally; it’s becoming a sunbathing spot!).

Of course, there is also the High Line’s art installation – a piece by Spencer Finch called ‘The River that Flows Both Ways’, which, we are informed by a sign nearby, is a translation of the Native American name for the Hudson. It’s composed of panels of colored glass, the hues of which are based on the colors of the river during the passing of a day, set in a brick wall, in the same way that factory windows are set into their walls. It’s a lovely expression of the water, light, air and industry that come together to characterize this unusual space.

The High Line has already had an impact on the surrounding area. New buildings and developments are being planned, and it seems to be helping to bring people together as well – an apartment alongside one section has begun occasional ‘renegade cabaret’ shows at night!

The High Line is an exciting new addition to the Chelsea area, and we welcome its opening with delight. Some of us are also considering sneaking out there for a lunch break!

Agora Gallery’s Director, Angela Di Bello, had her first High Line experience recently. Here’s her account of the experience:

“Last week I went to the High Line for the first time, with a friend, and as we walked up the four flights to the top of the High Line, the sky opened up to a brilliant blue above the hum of the street traffic below. There were literally hundreds of people walking about, taking photos of flowers, each other and of the towering buildings around us. I was amazed at how lofty New Yorkers, who seldom speak to one another on the street, nodded and smiled and exchanged greetings. And I wondered if it could be possible not to be deliriously happy to be alive on such a magnificent summer day. The atmosphere was akin to a festival, a celebration, and it was a reminder that we live in what is to me the most magical city ever built.  The genius of the High Line is that it is a place where New Yorkers can celebrate each other and the city, a place where you are both spectator and a visual point of reference for those around you.  Truly remarkable!”

And even better – this is only part one. The second section opens in 2010. Watch this space!