In 2003 the Highline was still an abandoned elevated railroad track that no longer brought livestock into the meatpacking district in Manhattan. The cargo of the final shipment contained turkeys. Access to the Highline was gained through the building that is now the site of the Standard Hotel, but it was originally slated to be a mixed use commercial condominium designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel. All of the invited guests worked in proximity to the location.The main course was grilled prime aged sirloin that was procured from one of the last meat purveyors in the area. The discussion focussed on the West Village and Chelsea and whether the Highline as an elevated park would be realized. At the time the majority of developers in the area were supporting the decision to have the old railroad tracks removed, but thankfully, history had another ending.