The High Line

The High Line is an elevated railway built in the 1930s and abandoned in 1980. Today only a fragment between Gansevoort and 59th Streets remains. The structure was threatened with demolition by local government and private organizations intending to develop the cleared sites.

In the early stages of the preservation effort, Handel Architects assisted Friends of the High Line in several studies to examine the feasibility of transforming the dilapidated structure into an elevated park. Work included examining the development potential of areas surrounding the High Line, economic viability studies, an existing conditions study, an evaluation of structural capacity and potential repairs, ADA access locations, and alternative design scenarios.

Gary Handel sits on the Board of Directors for Friends of the High Line and worked with Friends and the City to craft the rezoning proposal for the Special West Chelsea District, which was approved in 2005.

Today, several projects are in different stages of development along the High Line and Handel Architects continues to support Friends of the High Line in this historic endeavor to transform the Line into one the world's best public spaces.

Client

Friends of the High Line

Status

Concept and Feasibility Studies/Zoning Initiatives