Ever since the idea was first introduced a little more than a year ago, we've been quite interested in the idea of the Lowline, an underground park intended for an old trolley terminal beneath Delancey Street. We've looked at the space now, gone over the basic logistics, followed its fundraising and even checked out a proof-of-concept built nearby. And yet there are still so many questions! Now we can cross a few more off our list.

Curbed's Jessica Dalley chatted up the project's top dogs Dan Barasch and James Ramsey recently and came back with some interesting things to keep in mind about the still-gestating project:


  • It is only half park "It would be a culture park that hosts art shows, performances, and events, and it would be tied to the neighborhood gallery scene. There would be a densely planted 'ramble,' but this would be accompanied by a gallery, plaza, and connecting grassy common."

  • This will take a while Because the land is owned by the MTA, which has bigger fish to fry, getting a park going is slow. And while lots of people seem eager to give it money, they aren't exactly throwing cash at it until the land is transferred.

  • SPURA should spur it along Because the Lowline is located directly within the long-gestating Seward Park Urban Renewal Area it is expected to greatly increase the property values there. So expect the up-to-$72 million (in mostly private funding) park to open about when the buildings in that project (which appears to finally be starting to move) open. They guess the whole project should take about ten years to complete.

  • The subway will be a crucial part Y'know how the J/Z goes right by the rail yards in question? "The park's design would incorporate a demising wall or transparent material as a border, providing protection and noise and air quality while framing views of the subway."

Still, can't wait for the next big thing in parkland to open? Well, while you wait you can always go and buy yourself some cool Lowline gear so that your friends know that you are on the cutting edge of subterranean landscaping!