How New York has transformed its historical architecture into an Urban Park: The High Line, New York City

The High Line in New York City is a project that started in 1999 by Manhattan’s West Side community residents to “preserve the elevated freight rail line” [The Highline, n.d] that passed through their neighbourhood, which at the time was at “risk of being demolished” [The High Line, n.d]. Over the last 25 years, it has been transformed into a green urban space and public park for the community. The park opened in 2009. What was once an old, degraded freight line is now home to native plants that have reclaimed the area, grassland and woodland ecosystems, and most importantly, happy New Yorkers. The park is maintained by the Friends of the High Line non-profit conservancy group and is a shining example of agri-tecture (a mix of agriculture and architecture). Furthermore, this project has revolutionised the way old architectural structures, such as “Hofbogen” in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, are viewed. 

 The High Line: a transformative park in New York City, Image source: https://www.elikarealestate.com/blog/the-high-line/ 

Economic, Social, and Environmental Benefits 

There are, without a doubt, several positive implications of the High Line NYC. This project has introduced environmental sustainability in New York, a city that struggled with its air quality, through incorporating several species of plants and trees to combat urban air pollutants. These include “native, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance species,” according to the High Line.org. Native species are essential for preserving biodiversity while restoring the habitat of indigenous plants and animals. Through effectively implementing these species on the High Line, they can minimize the effects of climate change, such as flooding in the City. Practices such as composting, local sourcing, and watering on the High Line have also been used to promote environmental sustainability. 

Image Source: klook.com

Not only has the High Line helped New York's natural environment, it has also improved the well-being and quality of life of New Yorkers. Instead of being stuck in their apartments, residents can opt for an evening stroll in this cultural hub where they can experience art shows, performances, and the park’s “seasonal programs, including music festivals, guided tours, and interactive workshops”[The New York Highline, 2025]. This promotes social harmony amongst residents, improving personal satisfaction and well-being. Furthermore, the High Line has brought together the local community and partners, now known as “Friends of the High Line”, as they preserve this park, fostering a sense of community. 

We cannot mention this iconic landmark without referring to its economic significance. The park has drawn in business for local residents, as cafés, shops, and other commercial businesses have opened up along it. According to a study from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, since 2009 (the park’s opening), it has “generated $5 billion in real estate investment and $1.4 billion in tax revenue for the city”[Diller, et al., n.d]. Currently, over 7 million people per year visit this park. 

Highline park entrances, Image source: Free Tours By Foot 

Gentrification Drawbacks that the High Line faces 

Given these benefits, residents have opened up about some of their issues with this park. While it brings in money for the community and the city, the views of the Hudson have now been replaced with luxury high-rise apartments. Gentrification has become a big problem for residents as it kicks out families that have been in the community for decades. Between the opening of the park and 2025, the homes “closest to the High Line experienced a 35.3% increase in housing values” [Black, 2020], while Manhattan housing prices have risen less than 10% in 10 years according to market reports. Evidently, gentrification has affected this neighbourhood. 

Conclusion and next steps 

Nevertheless, the High Line is a great project that has been created in Manhattan, New York. It has provided an urban oasis, improved the air quality for residents, promoted eco-tourism, and created a new activity for the everyday New Yorker. However, the city should be careful of future housing projects to avoid further gentrification. Strategies, including investing revenue from the park for affordable housing, mixed-use zoning, and listening to the community activists and residents, should be taken into account to resolve current conflicts and avoid issues of affordability for future generations. 

Bibliography 

Chava Gourarie. “Manhattan Apartment Prices Have Risen Less than 10% in 10 Years.” Mansionglobal.com, Mansion Global, 30 Jan. 2025, www.mansionglobal.com/articles/manhattans-apartment-prices-have-risen-less-than-10-in-10-years-27b96135. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025. 

Grover, Spencer. “The High Line: A Transformative Urban Park in New York City.” ELIKA New York, 15 July 2023, www.elikarealestate.com/blog/the-high-line/. Accessed 29 Sept. 2025. 

“Hudson Yards and the High Line Tour in New York City.” Klook.com, www.klook.com/en-US/activity/108106-hudson-yards-high-line-join-walking-tour/.Accessed 1 Oct. 2025. 

Jo Black, Katie, and Mallory Richards. “Eco-Gentrification and Who Benefits from Urban Green Amenities: NYC’s High Line.” Landscape and Urban Planning, vol. 204, no. 103900, Dec. 2020, p. 103900, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169204619314574, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103900. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025. 

Kalina Prelikj. “15 Years of NYC’s High Line: A Closer Look at Its Impact on Urban Design.” Journal, 27 Nov. 2024, architizer.com/blog/inspiration/stories/evolution-of-the-high-line-nyc/. Accessed 28 Sept. 2025. 

“Nature in the City.” The High Line, 2 Sept. 2025, www.thehighline.org/natureinthecity/. Accessed 29 Sept. 2025. 

NYC Parks. “The High Line : NYC Parks.” Www.nycgovparks.org, www.nycgovparks.org/parks/the-high-line. Accessed 28 Sept. 2025. 

Quirk, Vanessa. “The 4 Coolest “High Line” Inspired Projects.” ArchDaily, 16 July 2012, www.archdaily.com/254447/the-4-coolest-high-line-inspired-projects. Accessed 29 Sept. 2025. 

Shapiro, Courtney. “High Line Entrances,” Freetoursbyfoot, freetoursbyfoot.com/high-line-entrances/.Accessed 1 Oct. 2025. 

The High Line. “Sustainable Practices | the High Line.” The High Line, 2019, www.thehighline.org/sustainable-practices/. Accessed 29 Sept. 2025. 

“The New York High Line: A Paradigm Shift in Urban Renewal.” Archova, 5 Apr. 2025, archovavisuals.com/the-new-york-high-line-a-shift-in-urban-renewal/. Accessed 29 Sept. 2025.