Friends of the High Line (FHL) sought to convert the High Line, an abandoned elevated rail line on the west side of Manhattan, into a public park. Slated for demolition just five years ago, the High Line is now one of New York's most celebrated historic preservation and economic development projects.

HR&A has supported FHL since its inception. The firm prepared an economic and fiscal impact study demonstrating that the conversion of the rail line into a dynamic public park would produce economic and social benefits far outweighing the necessary capital costs. HR&A also assisted FHL to develop an innovative rezoning with the NYC Department of City Planning, and to secure more than $100 million in funds. HR&A continues to support FHL as future phases of the park are planned and evaluated. Since the High Line was saved, more than $2 billion in new residential and commercial development has been realized in the area, with $2 billion more planned. After ten years of advocacy and planning, the first segment of the park opened in June 2009, and has already garnered international attention, including feature articles in The New York Times, New York Magazine, USA Today, the Financial Times and The Guardian.

HR&A Chairman John Alschuler has served on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the High Line since 2007, and was appointed Board Chair in June 2009.