The Spiritual Perspective 12: Robert Hammond’s Unlikely Journey of Turning an Eyesore into The Highline, While Transforming New York City in the Process
The High Line is now one of New York City's most iconic landmarks. But there was a time when some considered it to be an eyesore. Rising above street level, the park is an accessible and beautiful space that has regenerated a historic and forgotten place for locals and visitors alike. Joining us on the show is one of the forces behind this amazing project, Robert Hammond. Robert has always had a number of things on the go in his life at any given time. He admits that it seems to suit him to not focus solely on one avenue and rather juggle a bunch of projects. We hear from Robert about his upbringing, his unconventional home life, and his mother's artistic and unusual activities. Robert maps out how this led into the later parts of his life; a teenage fascination with Russia, business ambitions with reservations, and a lively social life! We hear from our guest about his somewhat serendipitous connection to the 'the high line' and the seeds that became his big passion project. Join us to hear it all!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Robert's unconventional early childhood experiences and activities.
- The feelings that Robert went through realizing how he and his mother were a bit different.
- Robert's obsession with Russia and his visits during his teen years.
- Aspirations for business and banking and the struggles that Robert faced finding a job after college.
- Life in New York City, finding a community of gay friends, and partying a lot.
- Resigning from Ernst & Young; considering business school and finding work at a startup.
- How Robert found some meaning in his sales work and how these lessons applied to his social life.
- Depression, anxiety, and therapy; Robert's coping mechanisms during his late 20s.
- Robert's work for The Body and his desire to paint in the evenings as an outlet.
- How Robert heard about the looming demolishment of The High Line and started thinking about it.
- The part that Robert's determination and drive played in seeing through his interest in the project.
- Falling in love with the High Line project and getting serious about seeing it through.
- The continuous array of jobs and projects that Robert liked to do simultaneously.
- Robert's partnership with Josh and how they stayed committed to the project through doubtful times.