The SS United States could return home to New York or be reborn in another major port city as a transformative economic development project if a plan unveiled today by the Conservancy can be advanced. The full design program, developed over the last several years in conjunction with two prominent New York firms, RXR and MCR Hotels, would repurpose the legendary ocean liner as a unique, mixed-use destination, including a 1,000 key hotel, numerous food and beverage destinations, multiple event venues, acres of public green space, and a world-class museum. The bold and exciting plan preserves the ship’s history and activates the vessel’s commercial potential.

The conceptual plan for a privately funded, commercial redevelopment identified Manhattan’s Hudson River as the optimal “home port” for the vessel, due to its proximity to transportation and pedestrian access to the Javits Convention Center. The project would entail the redesign and reconstruction of adjacent piers, which would create acres of new public green space aboard the vessel and adjoining areas. It could also be adapted for other major urban waterfront destinations. 

A full briefing on the proposed program for the SS United States by RXR and Conservancy representatives, as well as discussion of remaining challenges associated with advancing the vessel's redevelopment, will be held on Tuesday, November 7 at 12pm (eastern time). Click HERE to register to attend.

The extensive work and exciting program demonstrate the ship’s economic viability. Now we need New York or another municipality to express support for providing a permanent pier location for America's Flagship. This exciting announcement comes as the vessel faces major cost increases and possible eviction from its pier in Philadelphia.