Redevelopment of the SS United States

SS United States - Facing North at Night

Conceptual rendering of a redeveloped SS United States docked along Manhattan’s west side.

SS United States - Facing North

Conceptual rendering of a redeveloped SS United States returned to her home port of New York.

SS United States Rendering - Facing North

An aerial view of a redeveloped SS United States facing north along Manhattan’s west side.

SS United States Rendering - Facing South

Concept for the redeveloped SS United States facing south along Manhattan’s west side, including pier design incorporating acres of new open space.

SS United States Rendering - Approach from West Side

Concept of pier redevelopment and approach to the SS United States along Manhattan’s west side.

SS United States Rendering - Acres of Public Space

A redeveloped SS United States could create acres of public space and connect the iconic vessel to other famous landmarks via The High Line.

SS United States Rendering Approach from Pier

Concept of pier redevelopment and approach to the SS United States as part of the Hudson River Park.

SS United States Rendering - Funnel

One of the ship’s iconic funnels depicted opened to light as a central core for the hotel and event spaces.

Full Conceptual Program

Illustrative program for redeveloped SS United States.

SS United States Rendering - Lifeboat Cabanas Exterior

Areas where the SS United States’ lifeboats once hung would be reimagined as unique hotel rooms cabanas that would provide spectacular views.

SS United States Rendering - Lifeboat Cabanas Interior

Areas where the SS United States’ lifeboats once hung would be reimagined as unique hotel rooms cabanas that would provide spectacular views.

SS United States Aft Ballroom

A conceptual rendering of a unique interior-exterior, column-free event space.

SS United States Rendering - Hotel Pool Concept

This pool and pool bar for hotel guests depicted here would be located between the ship’s iconic funnels.

Over the last decade the Conservancy has worked tirelessly to not only keep the ship safely afloat but save the vessel through a bold redevelopment plan that would see the SS United States revitalized as a stationary mixed-use destination. The Conservancy has met with dozens of interested parties and explored locations in a number of major port cities. Redeveloping the SS United States is perhaps the most complex project of its kind ever attempted. The ship’s rebirth will create an instant destination that will attract visitors the world over to her storied decks.

In December 2018, the Conservancy entered into an exclusive option agreement with RXR, a prominent, New York-based real estate development firm, to explore the SS United States’ redevelopment. RXR manages more than 75 commercial real estate properties and investments with an aggregate gross asset value of approximately $20.5 billion, comprising approximately 25.5 million square feet of commercial properties. Its joint venture partner MCR Hotels is one of the leading owner-operators of hotels in the nation. MCR Hotels is also uniquely positioned to help develop a revitalization plan for the SS United States, having restored and repurposed the historic TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, as well as the High Line Hotel among its 189 hotel properties across the US. Learn more about the Conservancy’s redevelopment agreement with RXR Realty HERE. This agreement has been covered by a variety of news outlets, including Newsday.

In November 2023, the Conservancy, together with RXR and MCR, unveiled a transformative plan to save America’s Flagship that demonstrated the ship’s commercial viability as a marquee destination. RXR and MCR have developed an inspired plan to repurpose the vessel as a permanently moored floating structure encompassing a collection of unique hospitality, food and beverage, and cultural spaces. Those offerings would include a world-class museum honoring the ship’s history and exploring mid-century design, art, and innovation. We anticipate the project will be landscape-altering for its home city, creating over 5,700 jobs, generating new direct and indirect economic activity, and activating the waterfront at its destination.

RXR and MCR have built their reputations on adapting and updating iconic assets for the 21st century. The firm’s New York City portfolio includes the Helmsley Building, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, the Starrett-Lehigh Building, and the massive Pier 57 on Manhattan’s West Side, developed in partnership with Young Woo & Associates, which houses Google’s offices. In addition, RXR works closely with municipalities on large-scale, transformational projects, including as master developer for the City of New Rochelle, their partnership with JetBlue on a new terminal at JFK Airport, and their redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island.

While slowed by the COVID-19 crisis, the Conservancy has been heartened by the development team’s passion and commitment to the cause of saving the SS United States. This full design and engineering program is a tremendous step forward, but significant challenges still remain. The release of a redevelopment plan comes at a time when the SS United States is in peril. The ship faces possible eviction from her current pier in Philadelphia. The vessel’s landlord doubled the Conservancy’s rent without notice during the coronavirus pandemic, placing significant financial strain on the organization. The Conservancy is presently in litigation on the matter, with a trial date slated for January.

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