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The S.S. United States docked at Pier 82 in Philadelphia. The ship was the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic Ocean when it was built.
New York City might not be the next home port for the S.S. United States, a historic luxury liner, if a casino development plan unveiled Monday in Philadelphia comes to pass.A group that has been raising money to restore the 58-year-old ship had considered moving it from Philadelphia to Manhattan and converting it into a hotel and tourist attraction. But on Monday, the group proposed making the ship part of a plan to open a casino complex along the Delaware River.
The first casino in Philadelphia opened in September, but no progress has been made on a waterfront site where another casino was supposed to be developed. The ship, affectionately known as the “Big U,” has been tied to a pier near that site for years, while the members of the S.S. United States Conservancy sought a way to pay for its rehabilitation.
Incorporating the ship into a casino complex could simultaneously solve the riddle of how to save what once was the world’s fastest ocean liner. But the ship’s most ardent fans have not yet abandoned the idea that the United States could wind up at a pier on the West Side.
Dan McSweeney, the executive director of the S.S. United States Conservancy, said Monday that he was still seeking private investors who might help pay for a move to New York.
“We are enthusiastic about discussing possible plans for the ship with potential stakeholders in New York, as well as Philadelphia.” Mr. McSweeney said.
The ship, which at 990 feet is longer than the Titanic was, made 400 ocean crossings before it was retired. It was saved from the scrapyard this year when a Philadelphia philanthropist, Gerry Lenfest, donated $5.8 million. The conservancy used that money to buy the ship from Norwegian Cruise Lines, which had decided to sell it for scrap, and to keep it afloat long enough to devise a big idea for reviving the Big U.
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I recall seeing the United States 21years ago, tied up and abandoned as part of the reserve fleet. It was in terrible condition then, and the photo shows it certainly has not improved.
Really, do we need a casino???
— Clotario
2. November 22, 2010
7:31 pm
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I remember this ship when I was a kid at a pier on the west side. At night there was no prettier sight than when she was all lit up. I sure hope she comes back to New York. She is a piece of history
— ruth
3. November 22, 2010
8:16 pm
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The plan revealed today for the SS United States to be apart of a casino complex in Philadelphia is exciting and interesting. I particularly liked that you would be able to walk around the entire ship, almost, with unobstructed views of her from the shore.
With that said, I’d still much rather see her back home here in New York City but stand ready to support the most viable option available that keeps the ship intact and repurposed.
I know much work remains to be done but am heartened by the progress the Conservancy has made and hopeful for the ship’s future.
Carl
The SS United States Group
— Carl
4. November 22, 2010
10:08 pm
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As the ship sailed regularly from NYC when it was in passenger service — it would seem appropriate to berth it here as a museum.
But I’ve no desire to see it if all it is to be is a floating casino. That would have all the glamor of an aging soprano singing in a cheap dance hall as she lingered long past her prime.
Under those conditions, let Philadelphia have it.
— George
5. November 22, 2010
10:23 pm
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I saw her from the window of a taxi that was speeding down the West Side Highway 47 years ago.
She was beautiful.
A true New Yorker and I’d just love to see her come home again!
— Perley J. Thibodeau
6. November 23, 2010
9:20 am
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It is going to need in the range past $100,000,000.00 to get it sea worthy again.
Hope they know a few of the 1,000s of ultra-rich to turn over their pocket change.
— warren
7. November 23, 2010
9:20 am
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You currently get a great view of this ship from the Ikea cafeteria in Philly. I’ve enjoyed daydreaming about her history while munching lingonberry meatballs. She’s a romantic sight, even in ruin.
— Older and wiser
8. November 23, 2010
9:26 am
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They accomplished this with the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. Add rumors that it’s haunted and you have a working tourist attraction. I think this could work well as a floating hotel in Red Hook. There is space and demand and with Red Hook as a functioning cruise ship docking station, those tourists docking would see the grand old ship and it gain instant recognition as a NYC landmark.
— Sajh
9. November 23, 2010
10:11 am
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If the Big U is moved to NY, it will be as part of a museum/hotel project, NOT as a casino.
NYC, which was her home in America during her years of crossing the Atlantic, would be be the perfect place for a museum about the ships that crossed the ocean and brought so many millions to our shores.
— Steve Marmon
10. November 23, 2010
10:54 am
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A casino? Better to sink it as an artificial coral reef; give the ship some dignity.
— Mitchp
11. November 23, 2010
3:04 pm
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For those of you who are interested in “experiencing” a taste of life aboard the SS United States during her trans-Atlantic heyday, check out the album, “Let’s Dance on Board the SS United States” by the Alfred Menconi (SS United States Orchestra) Orchestra. It can be accessed through online retailers.
— David L. NYC
12. November 24, 2010
2:59 am
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It is going to need in the range past $100,000,000.00 to get it sea worthy again.
Hope they know a few of the 1,000s of ultra-rich to turn over their pocket change.
— Duane Denis
13. November 24, 2010
1:10 pm
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I remember my father taking me to visit this ship at its pier on the West Side when I was a kid. Too bad you can’t do that sort of thing any more!
— Doug