20 years, 20 champions. Each instrumental in Design Trust's lasting impact on NYC's public realm. Each another journey.

Hear each champion's story, one every day here on our blog, culminating with a grand celebration on October 14, at Christie's. While enjoying a festive evening of music by AndrewAndrew, cocktails by Templeton Rye, custom photo shoots, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction of art and design objects, you'll also meet the 20/20 Public Space Champions in person.

Join us to celebrate our champions, who have tirelessly been working to improve the daily lives of New Yorkers for two decades. Jumpstart the next 20 years of urban innovation by buying a ticket to the gala today.

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If it weren't for Joshua David and Robert Hammond, the High Line—NYC's much celebrated urban repurposing gem—would not be here.

Before the High Line was transformed into New York City's newest open space, it was a derelict piece of infrastructure awaiting demolition. Joshua and Robert founded Friends of the High Line in 1999 to save this public asset.

In collaboration with Friends of the High Line from 1999 to 2002, we conducted a comprehensive feasibility study and outlined recommendations for the reuse of the elevated railway as public open space.

Our feasibility study, Reclaiming the High Line, proved that this derelict railway should be converted to public open space, leading Mayor Michael Bloomberg to rescind the outstanding demolition order on the High Line and enabling Friends of the High Line to move forward with their goal of turning the railway into an elevated park.

After 16 years from its conception, Joshua and Robert reflect back on the creation of the High Line.

Let's start with a fill-in-the-blank question. Public space is vital because…?

Joshua and Robert: City dwellers in particular need free spaces. We need a place where we can connect with nature, be exposed to a variety of different cultural experiences, and just spend time engaging with each other and their community.

What was your vision when you started Friends of the High Line?

Joshua and Robert: When we founded Friends of the High Line in 1999 our mission was not only to save the High Line from demolition, but to find a new use for the structure as an innovative and democratizing public space. 

But then came the hard part. It took the work of many – designers, City officials, neighbors, advocates, and supporters – to realize the vision of the High Line, and after 10 years, the park opened to the public. 

Once we established what our project would be, we had to realize it! Our focus during this time was to create something special, to keep our project on time, and to keep it on budget. Today, our focuses are different.

What are your focuses today?

Joshua and Robert: Friends of the High Line funds 98 percent of the operating budget of the park. We work to maintain the park – to keep the plantings thriving and the walkways clean – for the 6 million visitors we see annually. 

We also work to connect with the 2 million New Yorkers that come to the park, and especially to our direct neighbors, by producing over 400 free programs and over 30 art exhibits each year. 

We see the High Line as not only a public park but also as a hybrid between public space and a cultural institution for everyone to enjoy.

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Learn more about how Friends of the High Line and the Design Trust jumpstarted the transformation of a derelict railway into a green corridor of open space for all New Yorkers and visitors alike.