UP, UP AND AWAY

According to Dezeen, secret plans have been leaked in New York City for a controversial new pedestrian walkway on top of the High Line, called ‘The Even Higher Line.’

The plans reveal the intent to turn a former elevated railway into a multi-storey attraction. The development would also allow real-estate owners to double the height of buildings adjacent to the High Line in exchange for backing the proposal.

Eight million visitors per year have visited the High Line since it opened in 2009. it is usually a bustling space full of joggers, markets, marathons and the like. The new proposal would allow the introduction of a one-way system, with pedestrians on the existing level travelling in a northwards direction while the upper level would be reserved for southbound walking.  Photo by Timothy Schenk

The High Line has been a developers delight, with high-rise towers now adorning formerly neglected lots. Ultimately, this has turned the space into a dark canyon.

An Even Higher Line would mean the public walkway would once again be above the height of neighbouring towers until the anticipated fresh wave of skyward development takes place.

There is apparently a contingency plan which stipulates The Even Higher Line can add a third level, and then possibly a fourth and fifth, to ensure the linear park is always one step ahead of property developments.

It is said that visitors would access the higher levels via high-speed, nuclear-powered elevators, or by gantries linking The Even Higher Line to the top of Thomas Heatherwick's Vessel attraction at Hudson Yards at the line's northern point.

Photo by Michael Moran

A secret clause in the Vessel's planning consent allows the structure to be extended upwards indefinitely so it can serve as an emergency exit if new levels are added on top of The High Line.​

Images via Dezeen