High line and TWA terminal threatened - Front Page - historic properties in New York - Brief Article

The Preservation League of New York State has released its "Seven to Save" list, an annual selection of threatened historic properties. Included is Manhattan's High Line, the retired, 1.45-mile elevated rail line that runs through Chelsea [see "Artworld," Oct. '01]. The nonprofit group placed the structure on its agenda as the city was attempting to finalize a demolition agreement before Mayor Giuliani left office. On Nov. 30, the Friends of the High Line group, along with the city council, the Manhattan borough president and others, filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to halt the proceedings.

Also on the list is the Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Terminal at Kennedy Airport, parts of which are currently slated to be torn down to make room for a controversial new facility that subsumes the distinctive jet-age structure into its design. Plans call for the destruction of the terminal's podlike satellite gates and portions of the tubular passageways. There are no reuse plans for the building, which will no longer serve its original function, and preservationists fear it will fall into neglect.

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