The High Line is one of the greatest examples of unused space reclaimed for the public to enjoy. The project took many years to complete but the railway that once ran through the center of Manhattan's largest industrial district is now a beautifully landscaped park that families as well as art and photography enthusiasts can bask in.
Looking to repeat the success of the High Line, the Lowline is a project that seeks to reclaim the old trolley terminal running beneath the eastbound roadway of Delancey Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
The project differs greatly from the High Line, however, because engineers are envisioning the park to run on cutting-edge solar technology to light up and bring life to the underground park.
The idea to revive and revitalize the Trolley Terminal was first proposed to the public in 2011 when James Ramsey and Dan Barasch, two friends who were working on their design ideas for the terminal separately before they joined forces, released their concepts in a prominent New York Magazine feature.
The idea was embraced by New Yorkers and plans were underway to make their ideas a reality.
The innovative idea to power the park with solar energy includes placing dishes along Delancey Street and bounce the sun's rays on reflector shields to concentrate the light and redistribute it as energy for the entire Williamsburg Bridge Trolley Terminal, which was originally built in 1908 and abandoned in 1948.
Once the terminal is converted into the first underground park, the public can once again enjoy the cobblestone, vaulted ceilings, rail tracks, and other historic features that remained intact over the decades.
The promotional team has posted photos and video of their vision for the project that is making many New Yorkers excited as well. Even Lena Durham, creator of the hit TV series Girls, gives them an endorsement.
"The idea of being able to create a sunlit, verdant atmosphere underground, there's something so surreal, and it really feels like we're living in the future and the future is now," the team said. The team is hoping to have the park ready and open to the public by 2018.
