A Field Guide to Tactical Heritage Urbanism Volume 1: October 2016 | Page 113

The High Line

Location:
New York, NY
The High Line previously operated as
an elevated industrial railroad for shipments into Manhattan (1934-1980s).
When it was demanded for destruction
in the 1980s, collaboration between
Friends of the High Line and nearby residents lobbied for the preservation and
reuse of the railroad by turning it into a
public open space. After much discussion, a vision to turn the abandoned rail
into an open trail network lined with
plants and greenery was decided on.
This idea became a concept of support
for Manhattan’s economic and environmental viability of the space, as well
captures the cultural value of collective
attachment to the railway as part of the
industrial neighbourhood’s identity.
No longer operating as a railway, the
space now remains as a public space
in support of cultural diversity and cohesion across the city. The Highline
features many areas allowing visitors
to engage and enjoy the unique space
within the city.

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