SS United States RFQ Submission Deadline Extended for Developers

Additional Tours of the Historic Vessel for Developers Also to be Held

In response to increased interest among the development community to participate in one of the most exciting and unique development opportunities in the nation, the SS United States Redevelopment Project has extended the deadline for its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the repurposing of America’s flagship, the SS United States.  The Redevelopment Project issued the RFQ at the beginning of April, kicking off an aggressive process to identify a commercial development partner to give the greatest American ocean liner a new lease on life as a 21st Century waterfront destination.   

The new deadline for answering the RFQ will be Friday, June 1, 2012.  Additional tours of the vessel for RFQ respondents will also be held during the month of May.  To request an RFQ packet visit www.SSUSRedevelopment.com.

The RFQ seeks to identify a developer to refurbish, transform and re-purpose the historic ship into a for-profit, self-sustaining, multi-purpose stationary waterfront attraction.  The SS United States, which will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its maiden voyage this year, remains the largest passenger vessel ever constructed in the United States. At nearly 1,000 feet long, she remains the fastest ocean liner to cross the North Atlantic and one of the last surviving of the great 20th Century liners.

The SS United States in 2012.

“We’ve had submissions and further interest from a number of developers who are excited about the possibility of participating in this redevelopment process,” states Dan McSweeney, Managing Director of the SSUSRP.  “This unique opportunity will enable a commercial developer to help save an iconic symbol of America while attracting a new generation of users and visitors to a modern, multi-purpose destination.”

The SS United States’ home port of New York as well as Miami have been identified as promising locations for the long-term docking of the ship, though other cities will be considered.

The SS United States project concept is currently for a mixed-use development that may include a variety of feasible uses for the ship’s more than 500,000 square feet of enclosed space including but not limited to hotel, restaurants, event space, retail, and educational facilities.  Plans also include a museum and the restoration of the ship’s most iconic historic features.

After RFQ responses are reviewed, a limited number of Prequalified Proposers will then be invited to respond to a more detailed Request for Proposals (“RFP”).  Finalists will then be selected to negotiate terms of an agreement for redevelopment of the ship at the selected location.  The effort intends to select a developer by the end of 2012.

SS United States at sea, circa 1950.

The SSUSRP is a strategic initiative of the SS United States Conservancy, the national nonprofit organization that purchased the historic vessel last year.  The Conservancy is also advancing plans for public use, including a world-class museum and educational programs aboard the ship.  For more information about the SS United States visit www.SSUSC.org.