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Expert Panel Named to Advise SS United States Redevelopment Project

Published May 10, 2012 11:44 AM by The Maritime Executive

Prominent Individuals Will Help Select Developer for America’s Flagship

As momentum continues to build for the effort to save and redevelop America's national flagship, the SS United States, the owners of the historic ship, the SS United States Conservancy, has announced the formation of a group of prominent individuals to provide expert counsel for the unique preservation and redevelopment project.  The Blue Riband Panel, named after the maritime distinction held by the United States as the world’s transatlantic speed record holder, will be part of the Conservancy's growing Redevelopment Project team. 

The Redevelopment Project is currently executing an aggressive process this year to identify and contract with a developer committed to helping the Conservancy realize its vision of transforming the historic vessel into a stationary, mixed-use destination.  In April, a Request for Qualifications was released to over 200 real estate development, architecture, hospitality, and other organizations, advising them of the process to identify that development partner.  Due to significant interest from the development community, the deadline for RFQ submissions was recently extended to June 1, 2012.

The RFQ will be followed by a Request for Proposals in June to a select group of respondents.  Interest has been robust and the Redevelopment Project expects to be negotiating terms of a redevelopment contract by the end of 2012.

The members of the new Blue Riband Panel will assess development proposals and offer expert opinions on their strengths and weaknesses to the Conservancy. Founding Members of the Blue Riband Panel include:

• Laurie Beckelman, Principal of Beckelman + Capalino and former Chair and Commissioner of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
• Stephanie Cuba, Principal at CC Strategies, LLC and former Senior Development Director of AvalonBay Communities
• Kevin Billings, Director, Federal Energy Efficiency programs for Lockheed Martin and former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force
• Jonathan Fanton, FDR Visiting Fellow at Roosevelt House and former President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
• Stephen Lash, the Chairman Emeritus of Christie's Americas and founder, Ocean Liner Museum

"It will be an honor to work with these prominent leaders, each of whom has demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving and successfully redeveloping the SS United States," said Dan McSweeney, managing director of the Redevelopment Project.  "Their diverse experience and expertise is a great resource for our efforts during this 60th anniversary year of the ship's maiden voyage."

“Each of these individuals brings a wealth of knowledge to our mission to save and repurpose this symbol of American pride and patriotism,” states Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy’s executive director.  “This panel will help to ensure that our future development partners contribute the same vision, energy and innovation that characterized the ship's initial design." 

For more information about the SS United States Redevelopment Project, the new Blue Riband Panel and the development process visit www.SSUSRedevelopment.com.