St. John’s Terminal

Ties in the Sky

The historic St. John’s Terminal building opened in 1934 as the southern terminus for New York’s elevated West Side rail line (now known as the High Line). The New York Central Railroad built the terminal for the West Side elevated freight line, known as a "lifeline" of Manhattan for its food deliveries from the Hudson Valley. When it opened, the three-story structure was among the largest industrial spaces in the city, capable of accommodating 227 train cars.

Beyond transporting goods, the elevated freight line improved safety by removing 105 street-level rail crossings. But the massive St. John’s Terminal also blocked much of the community from the waterfront area. The terminal was decommissioned in the 1960s following the decline of railroad freight shipping and converted into a warehouse (among other things).

We’re proud to be the current steward of the site, with a redesign that celebrates St. John’s Terminal’s long history of industrial ingenuity. The northern facade pays homage to the building’s past life by revealing the undulating pattern of the old rail beds and platforms above the main entrance.

St. John's Freight Terminal at Hudson and Laight St.