Since the opening of the first stretch of the High Line in June 2009, the abandoned railway-turned-public park has been a popular stop for locals and visitors, hailed by city officials and architecture critics as a great example of urban design. And this year, following the debut of the second and final section, Friends of the High Line are ready to offer the space for third party event rentals.
Although access to the venue is limited—the High Line is only suitable for use during the spring, summer, and fall, and its nonprofit operator has its own slate of public programming throughout the year—there are a handful of areas well suited for corporate and nonprofit sit-down functions, as well as cocktail receptions.
As the second section of the High Line—the walkway between West 20th and 30th streets—is a narrower passage, the spaces in the park available for events are limited to the stretch that runs from Gansevoort to West 20th Street. The largest and most flexible of these is the Chelsea Market Passage, a covered area that runs through the Chelsea Market building and is accented by Spencer Finch's stained glass installation "The River That Flows Both Ways." Designed to emphasize the original architecture of the railway, this raw, open-plan site can be used for cocktail functions, dinners, and even fashion shows, has the capacity for 350 seated or 500 for receptions. Also covered is the 14th Street Passage, that 4,000-square-foot corridor that sits south of the Chelsea Market. Sit-down functions, cocktail parties, and screenings can use this area; maximum capacity is 100 seated or 150 for receptions.
In terms of fully outdoor spaces, the High Line has the Diller-von Furstenberg Sundeck, which is between the two passages and available for receptions of as many as 500, plus the Porch, a 660-square-foot spot adjacent to the Chelsea Market Passage with room for 45 seated or 60 standing.
The Friends of the High Line are developing a list of preferred vendors and can help obtain the necessary permits required for usage of one of the spaces. There is dedicated power available, as well as on-site bathrooms.
