This study examines the reuse potential of industrial land and infrastructure left abandoned or otherwise underutilized. The goal of this study is to open discussion and dialogue into such cases in North American cities that currently are liabilities and offer guidelines and methods for approaching preservation and reuse of such properties in a manner that contributes to community health, safety and welfare while maintaining historical character and significance.Abandoned or underutilized industrial land and infrastructure often pose significant environmental, safety, and land-use liability issues for municipalities. The application of creative reuse ideas centered on the notion of preserving industrial character, while creating new housing and recreation options for citizens is a major opportunity for communities struggling to cope with the negative aspects of these properties.The design project portion of this study was performed as part of an `ideas competition' conducted in 2003 by the `Friends of The High Line,' a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving a 1.5 mile stretch of abandoned, elevated rail bed in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan Borough, New York City. / Department of Architecture