One of the High Line’s busiest sections has closed this summer for a major upgrade. After 16 years of use, the 10th Avenue Square is temporarily off-limits for vital repairs due to wear and tear from the millions of annual visitors who pass through the popular spot, known for its stunning south-facing views of the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River. During the reconstruction, the High Line will be closed between 16th and 17th Streets, including the adjacent Sunken Overlook seating area.
During the closure, visitors requiring elevator access must exit at 14th Street and reenter at 23rd Street when heading north. Those traveling south should exit at 23rd Street and reenter at 14th Street. For stair access, northbound visitors must exit at 16th Street and reenter at 17th Street, while southbound visitors should exit at 17th Street and reenter at 16th Street.
Access to the High Line’s food vendors within the Chelsea Market Passage will not be affected by the closure.
While the High Line was built in phases, the original sections—including the 10th Avenue Square—have now been open to the public for 16 years. Annual visitation has surged to over 6 million, and heavy foot traffic has taken a toll on the park’s infrastructure. To address wear and ensure the space remains structurally sound and visually appealing, officials are carrying out essential repairs.
When it first opened to the public, the 10th Avenue Square featured a maple grove that offered south-facing views framed by sun-dappled woodland. Over time, the trees outgrew their planters and have since been removed. They will now be replaced with trident maples, a species better suited to thrive in limited root space.
Trident maples are also used in the Japanese tree-sculpting art of bonsai. These medium-sized, hardy trees produce yellow flowers in the spring, with leaves that turn deep red and orange in the fall. With their year-round beauty and resilient nature, trident maples are a fitting addition to the High Line’s gardens and the revitalized 10th Avenue Square.
As part of the project, the square’s original decking will be reinstalled and supplemented with reclaimed teak. The aging structural framing beneath is being replaced with sturdy glulam beams, while the old, heavy wood tree pit covers will be replaced with stainless steel and open tree gates. These changes will make it easier for staff to maintain both the trees and the deck.
An automated drip irrigation system will also be installed, eliminating the need for the park’s horticulture team to water the plants in this section by hand and improving water efficiency.
The 10th Avenue Square is scheduled to reopen in late August, with the trident maples to be planted in October during the fall planting window.
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