Design

As you can see in this video by Arbuckle Industries, the third and final section of the High Line at the Rail Yards is currently overgrown with self-seeded wildflowers and grasses that grew up between the tracks when the trains stopped running on the elevated railway in the 1980s.

Our goal has always been to open this final section of the elevated railway as public open space, and last week we held a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the beginning of construction. Before the work officially begins next month, we’re opening the gates for you to explore the rail yards section during the first two weekends in October. Presented by Uniqlo as part of the 10th Annual openhousenewyork Weekend, the self-guided walking tours during Rail Yards Weekends will be your last chance to walk along the High Line at the Rail Yards before it is transformed into an extension of the High Line park.

Registration opens tomorrow. Follow us after the jump to get registration details.

Recently some of our staff – including Horticulture Foreman Johnny Linville and Administrative Assistant Shannon Scott, pictured above – took the new DVF High Line merchandise for a test run. Photo by Liz Ligon

We are thrilled to debut a new collection of limited-edition apparel and products Diane von Furstenberg, a long-time supporter of Friends of the High Line.

The exclusive collection features soft cotton T-shirts, notebooks, magnets, a printed scarf, a sunhat, and a canvas tote bag emblazoned with colorful illustrations and the phrase “Dreams Come True on the High Line.” These special products capture the creative energy and spirit behind making the once so-called “impossible dream” of the High Line come true, something that would not have been possible without the visionary support of Diane and her family.

We were so excited about the collection’s debut that we recently took some of the items for a test run on the High Line. Follow us after the jump to see more photos from the shoot.

The rail yards section will extend the High Line’s distinct design vocabulary established south of West 30th Street, evoking the High Line’s history as an active freight rail line, and the unique self-seeded landscape that grew between the tracks when the trains stopped running in the 1980s.

We have made major advances at the rail yards this summer.

Last week, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Speaker Christine Quinn announced that the City of New York has acquired the High Line at the rail yards from CSX Transportation, Inc., bringing us one step closer toward starting construction. Our next steps are fundraising to pay for transforming the rail yards section into a public park, and collaborating on the design with our City partners and the team of James Corner Field Operations, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Piet Oudolf.

Last night we presented the latest design renderings at community input meeting, where more than 200 supporters joined us to share feedback and ask questions.

Follow us after the jump to view some of the new design renderings.

Construction crews are installing the steel beams and columns that will make up the building frame of the new High Line Headquarters. Photo by Timothy Schenck

Visit the southern end of the High Line, and you will see a dramatic transformation in progress next to the park. Construction is underway on the new High Line Headquarters and Whitney Museum of American Art. Last week, the first delivery of steel I-beams and columns arrived on the job site, and crews began erecting the frame of what will be the future home of maintenance and operations for the High Line.

Follow us after the jump for a construction update and a photo tour of the site.

We are one step closer to securing the third and final section of the High Line at the rail yards to be transformed into public open space.

On Wednesday, April 25, the New York City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a zoning text amendment that secures the eastern portion of the High Line at the rail yards, including the 10th Avenue Spur, as public open space.

Follow us after the jump to learn more about this important step for the High Line.

Beneath the concrete planks and beautiful plantings is an advanced system for water drainage and retention. Photo by Iwan Baan.

While you’re walking along the High Line, you may not realize it, but below your feet is an intricate drainage system that helps to reduce storm water runoff and helps to keep our planting beds healthy.

Here’s an inside peek at what’s happening under the surface of the world’s longest green roof.