Last week, we bid farewell to Lauren Ross, our Donald R. Mullen, Jr. Curator & Director of Arts Programs. When Lauren first came to us in 2009, we were in the final stages of construction on the first section of the High Line, and Creative Time was helping us install our first public art installation: A River That Flows Both Ways by Spencer Finch.
Trisha Brown Dance Company recreates Roof Piece, originally performed in SoHo in 1971. Photo by Friends of the High Line
Despite heavy winds and ominous clouds on the horizon, nine dancers from the Trisha Brown Dance Company stepped into place on rooftops along the southern terminus of the High Line on Thursday evening. The dancers were preparing for their 7:00 PM performance — the debut of Roof Piece — a dance originally performed by the company in SoHo in 1971, and recreated on its 40th anniversary for the High Line. As the dancers prepared to begin, park visitors gathered along the High Line between Gansevoort and West 14th Streets. Some had come to see the performance, and others had stumbled upon it.
Construction crews are busy installing plants and building the elevators, stairs, and design features in preparation for Section 2 to open next month. When we are ready to announce the opening date, we will share it with you here.
Crews recently installed more than 8,000 plants in the beds under the Philip A. and Lisa Maria Falcone Flyover, a dense woodland area in Section 2. Here, a crew member plants Densiflora lilyturf (Liriope muscari 'Densiflora'), an evergreen groundcover. Photo by Tim Schneck
Now that the weather has warmed up and the soil has thawed, landscape crews are back at work, installing perennials and grasses in the planting beds throughout Section 2.
High Line Green-Up takes place once a year at the start of the growing season. This year, more than 100 volunteers from the greater High Line community dedicated their time and energy to help our gardeners complete this tremendous task. High Line Green-Up began on March 1, and thanks to their hard work and dedication, we completed the job in just under a month.
Follow us after the jump for video, photos, and more.
Tommasini's crocus (Crocus tommassinianus), one of the first bulbs to bloom this season. Find them on the High Line in the Washington Grasslands and Chelsea Grasslands. Photo by Friends of the High Line
Spring is one of the most special and vibrant times on the High Line. Each time you visit during the coming months, you'll discover changes in the landscape—new shoots of green among the gravel ballast, leaves spreading out along tree branches, and a continuing kaleidoscope of florals.
Follow us beyond the jump for some of our upcoming favorites.
At the northern terminus of Section 2, construction crews recently hoisted a 15-by-35-foot steel frame into place. The frame is a key component of the Viewing Platform above the 30th Street Cut-Out, an area where the High Line’s concrete decking has been removed, revealing the steel gridwork of High Line beams and girders. The 30th Street Cut-Out will be one of the unique design features visitors find when Section 2 opens later this spring. 30th Street Cut-Out, thanks to The Pershing Square Foundation.
Follow us after the jump for more photos and renderings.
Later this week, we will unveil Kim Beck’s Space Available, a series of rooftop sculptures along the High Line. In this new video, Kim gives us a special preview, and discusses her process and inspiration for the work.
