Dear
SS United States Conservancy Members and Supporters:
Greetings!
We are writing to update you on the latest developments in our
efforts to secure the future of our national flagship. As you
know, a generous pledge from Philadelphia philanthropist H. F.
"Gerry" Lenfest enabled us to sign an exclusive option agreement to
purchase the ship from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)/Genting Hong
Kong, the vessel's current owners. The Conservancy is now working
hard to fulfill all of the regulatory requirements needed to claim
title to the vessel before our option agreement expires on January
31, 2011.
While the Conservancy does not yet hold
title to the SS United States, we have been progressing on
various fronts. On Monday, November 22, we will be holding a press
conference in Philadelphia at 1:00 pm to unveil the results
of a detailed feasibility study,
as well as scale renderings and a model, that show how the ship
could be the catalyst for an innovative urban redevelopment
initiative along Philadelphia's Delaware River. To read the
Conservancy's full media advisory, please click here.
As
detailed in an article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer,
the Conservancy commissioned Stephen Varenhorst Architects
(SVA) and consultant Ken Smukler to conduct the study with support
from a generous grant from Philadelphia philanthropist H.F. "Gerry"
Lenfest. The team examined a number of potential locations along
Philadelphia's Delaware River and honed in on the "Foxwoods site"
between Philadelphia's Reed and Tasker Streets. The dynamic urban
redevelopment initiative envisaged features the SS United
States as part of a complex that incorporates hotel space,
restaurant offerings, retail and office space, residential
development, parkland and a marina, nature reserves, and a casino.
We will seek further feedback on the proposed design from city
officials, local community advocates, and design experts. We will
also continue to explore other possible development plans for the
vessel, including several in cities other than
Philadelphia.
To
support this work and our other outreach and preservation efforts,
we are launching a year-end fundraising campaign and membership
renewal push. As you know, our "Save Our Ship" Campaign launched
in March was a great success. It culminated in our July 1 National
Flagship Celebration at which we announced that we had received a
$5.8 million pledge from philanthropist Gerry Lenfest - enough
money to purchase the Big U and maintain her for 20 months.
However, our national flagship still remains in grave danger. The
Lenfest gift is the first step of a long journey toward
redeveloping the vessel as a stationary attraction. Much work at
significant cost lies ahead of us. You will soon receive a formal
appeal in the mail, and we hope that you will consider supporting
us at the highest level you can. In the interim, please consider
making a year-end tax deductible contribution to our ongoing
efforts on behalf of the SS United States by becoming a Plank Owner today, or by
visiting our online donation
page.
We
remain deeply grateful for your continued support, and thank you
for helping us secure the future of our great national
flagship.
In
gratitude,
SS
United States Conservancy Board of Directors
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