Philadelphia's Rail Park

[cjseliga]

The cut and tunnel, will definitely make it unique, but I think the elevation of the High Line is its major selling point, people like to see in all directions as they go north to south or south to north.

Anyways, just to get the viaduct part complete, which is twice as wide as Phase 1 and heck of a lot longer, they are going to need some major donations, I'm talking millions or tens of millions. Maybe they can get some state money? Or get the Roberts family to donate some major money, hey it's a tax write off right!

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by cjseliga

The cut and tunnel, will definitely make it unique, but I think the elevation of the High Line is its major selling point, people like to see in all directions as they go north to south or south to north.

Anyways, just to get the viaduct part complete, which is twice as wide as Phase 1 and heck of a lot longer, they are going to need some major donations, I'm talking millions or tens of millions. Maybe they can get some state money? Or get the Roberts family to donate some major money, hey it's a tax write off right!

The William Penn Foundation(the Haas family) was a substantial donor for phase 1. The Viaduct is owned by Reading International( RDI). It owns other bits of the old Reading RR train network in PA. And, yes, it will take $$$$$$$$ to get control of it. And, yes, its elevation would add a spectacular element. I would keep the overhead train signals as well.

[PHLondoner]

Serious question:

Can the city and state use eminent domain to reclaim the portion of the Viaduct that's owned by Reading International? It seems unseemly that this particular company will just squat on this strange, rusting asset with obviously no plans for redevelopment or re-use for eternity.

[KansastoSouthphilly]

Originally Posted by PHLondoner

Serious question:

Can the city and state use eminent domain to reclaim the portion of the Viaduct that's owned by Reading International? It seems unseemly that this particular company will just squat on this strange, rusting asset with obviously no plans for redevelopment or re-use for eternity.

I am sure they could but I am pretty sure Reading would be willing to sell it. I remember reading that Reading offered the City millions of dollars to take the property off of its hands years ago.

[rotodome]

It looks great! Kind of a middle finger to wheelchair users, but we're used to it... :P