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As part of the New Yorker blog's 2009 Year in Review, architecture critic Paul Goldberger has assembled a list of the Ten Most Positive Architectural Events of 2009. At the top of the list is the High Line; Goldberger writes,

"Far and away the most uplifting thing to happen in New York this year was the completion of the first segment of the High Line, the magnificent promenade/public park atop the old elevated freight line running through West Chelsea."

Are you as excited as we are for another beautiful winter in New York City? Then come help us celebrate the season with the New York City Lab School Chorus and Craft Sweets for a performance of winter songs and a feast of some sweet treats on the High Line.

Today through Saturday, Baby Buggy is holding a drive at the Caledonia near the 16th Street entrance to the High Line.  They're collecting new and gently used strollers, high chairs, front carriers, and bassinets for needy New York City families.  These items are essentials for families with small children.

Beginning on Monday, December 14, the High Line will be open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The High Line will remain open year-round. Late fall and winter is a great time to visit the High Line. We encourage you to come up and experience the changing landscape of the park in all seasons.

Photo by Bryan Hou, via Flickr

Happy December!

Headed to Chicago for a Thanksgiving meal with the family, I thought I'd take advantage of the Windy City's version of the High Line. Arriving early, I got a section tour of the structure from The Trust for Public Land's Laura Uhlir. Half the height of the High Line (15 feet tall) and wider than 30 feet across in some places, Chicago's elevated railroad runs east-west, connecting various northwest neighborhoods (Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square and Humboldt Park). Running 2.7 miles long, the Bloomingdale Trail is longer than the High Line, and includes 37 viaduct bridges over streets.

Bloomingdale Trail looking west from the Kimball Street Access Point.
The Canadian Pacific Railroad occasionally stores cars up on the unused tracks.

In 1998, the City of Chicago recognized the trail as a potential public space. Since then, City and community support for the project has grown, with the help of Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail. The group began in 2003, and four years later the Bloomingdale Trail Collaborative was formed out of an alliance between the Friends and the national organization Trust for Public Land,  in partnership with the City.

Image courtesy of fieldoperations.net

James Corner, principal and founder of James Corner Field Operations, the High Line project lead, will lecture on his recent and current works at the Cooper Union on Wednesday, December 9th.