The High Line – Section I

The High Line - Section I

New York, NY

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  • Services Provided
  • Constructability Reviews
    Resident Engineering
  • Project Budget
  • $118.3 Million
  • Project Duration
  • 2005 - 2008
  • Project Landscape Architect
  • James Corner Field Operations
    Piet Oudolf, Planting Design
  • Resident Engineer
  • LiRo
  • Client
  • New York City Economic Development Corporation

This 1.5 mile elevated railroad, abandoned in the 1980’s, has been transformed into an intensive green roof park that has energized its West-side Manhattan neighborhood. The innovative planting design, by Piet Oudolf, evoking the native grasses and perennials that self-seeded during the railroad‘s abandonment, has contributed to the success of this signature urban project.

SiteWorks became involved early in the design process of Section I in 2005, assisting with landscape constructability reviews before the project was publicly bid. We worked closely with the client and the project’s design team to coordinate the construction of the imported soils, infrastructure, the water feature, lighting and paving systems, and the planting sequencing. SiteWorks advised NYC EDC to contract grow the herbaceous plants to ensure the large quantities and unusual varieties that are the core of the design would be available. Contracting directly with grower, was vital to the project’s schedule and the overall success of the project. Many of the plants were either not available in the U.S. or not available in sufficient quantities to complete the work as designed. Additionally, SiteWorks’ expertise in park construction was crucial in sorting out the complexities of building a park 19 feet above the surrounding streets. The immense popularity of the completed project is evidence of the success of our efforts.

SiteWorks was the Resident Landscape Architect on three sections of the High Line, the only firm including contractors who holds this distinction.

Construction Progress Section I: Gansevoort Woodlands Washington Grasslands 10th Avenue Square