History Lesson, Pt. 1: The Westbeth Artists Community

While the High Line itself is rich with its own unique and storied history, it is also part of the larger historical context of the city it has called home for over a century. In this recurring series, we hope to rediscover the High Line by taking a look at some of the important historical [...]

Stop and Smell the Roses

Friends of the High Line moved offices last month, and our new West Chelsea digs are a bit further from the subway. I’ve been using my morning and evening commute to get to know our new neighborhood. Our new office is just west of the Chelsea Historic District [PDF], where the beautiful Greek Revival townhouses of [...]

From Rinses to Retail, Chelsea Car Wash Makes its Exit

[The Chelsea Car Wash at West 14th Street & 10th Avenue, before the sign was taken down.] As many Chelsea dwellers, West Side Highway & Hudson River Park commuters, taxi drivers, and car wash enthusiasts may have noticed, the distinctive red Chelsea Car Wash sign has disappeared. It was removed from where it was attached [...]

Reminder: On Wednesday, Follow “Chalk Shoes to the High Line”

How do you get to the High Line? Tomorrow, a group of eighth-grade students from the Lab School will be leading the way… in brightly-colored “chalk shoes.” Brooklyn-based artist Julia Mandle will lead student performers through the streets of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, in a performance commissioned by Friends of the High Line. As [...]

Chelsea: 1986.

[West 17th Street at 10th Avenue, looking west.] In some ways, Chelsea in 1986 in not so different from what it is today. Sure, the neighborhood has changed and evolved in many ways, but it has also remained a diverse community of people, activities, and uses. The preservation and reuse of High Line adds another interesting element [...]

Chalk Shoes to the High Line

Friends of the High Line is set to kick off our spring programming season, and we’ll be starting off with a bang.  We’ve commissioned Brooklyn-based multi-disciplinary artist Julia Mandle to work with a group of 60 students from the Lab School in Chelsea to mount a performance and exhibition this April and May.  The kids, all 8th-grade [...]

David Beckham Bares All for the High Line

Here’s the view today from 17th Street: [Click to uh, enlarge.]

Seminary Demo Begins: Beginning of the End for Controversial High Line Neighbor

Demolition has started on Sherrill Hall, the Seminary building that sparked a bitter neighborhood battle in Chelsea last year, when Seminary leaders proposed replacing it with a 17-story building. Scaffolding is up. Signs have been posted about asbestos removal and rat-baiting.  The building will be replaced by a seven-story building, which will help fund the Seminary’s efforts to restore its landmarked Gothic [...]