The High Bridge

New York, NY

The High Bridge, the oldest bridge in NYC, was constructed in the mid-nineteenth century as part of the Croton Aqueduct system. Despite being an individual NYC landmark, listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, and part of the Croton Aqueduct National Historic Landmark, the High Bridge had been closed to the public since 1960.

Retained by NYC Departments of Parks and the NYC Department of Design and Construction, Li · Saltzman Architects, in collaboration with Transystems and MKW Landscape Architects, undertook the rehabilitation of the High Bridge as a pedestrian and bicycle path. Following the preparation of a Historic Structure Report, the design detailed the stabilization and restoration of the granite and brick structure, addressing safety and code issues and barrier-free accessibility. Incorporating restored iron railings and lampposts, new security fencing and lighting, interpretive plaques, ramps, and landscaping, the project was completed in 2015, returning a monumental artifact of the City’s history to public service.

Designation: National Register of Historic Places, New York State Register of Historic Places, Croton Aqueduct National Historic Landmark, NYC Individual Landmark

Awards: Municipal Arts Society MASterworks Award for Best Neighborhood Catalyst for the High Bridge (2016), New York Landmarks Conservancy Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award for the High Bridge (2015)

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