November 27 2010
PRESS RELEASE:
Today , we of the Liveboat International announce our
full support to the SS United Conservancy .
Over the course of the coming months , we will work with them to further spread the word across the world and keep the fight strong to save America's flagship to be preserved for future generations to come.
The SS United States is a marvel of Navel Engineering and today still holds the record for the fastest passenger ship ever built by an American ship yard.
She has been sitting in Pier 82 in Philadelphia since 1996 and is in dire need of repairs and refurbishment.
On July 1st our reporter Byron Huart joined the National Celebration event
in Philadelphia hosted across the street at the Penns Landing Ikea store .
There he got a full broadside view of the SS United States docked at her berth at Penns landing ,
through his thorough and highly detailed photographic analysis of the ship we can clearly see that she is in serious decay.
Mr. Huart also stayed overnight in Philly after the celebration ended only to witness a truly once and a lifetime moment , the first sunrise over the SS United States in Philadelphia only hours after the special announcement had been made about the stay of execution of the beloved flagship.
The event was televised and published on various news stations and internet sources including the world famous Maritime Matters suite where our reporter Byron wrote a full article chronicling the series of events that took place that day , the article on Maritime Matters was a huge success and has since received many views and comments.
Today the Conservancy is at it's most dire moment ,
the proposal for the SS United States to be a part of the planned Fox Woods Casino project in South Philly.
Heres the official press release:
November 21, 2010 - On Monday, November 22, the Conservancy held a press conference in Philadelphia at 1:00 pm to unveil the results of a detailed feasibility study, as well as scale renderings and a model, that show how the SS United States could be the catalyst for an innovative urban redevelopment initiative along Philadelphia’s Delaware River. To read the Conservancy’s full media advisory, Click here
As detailed in an article in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer, the Conservancy commissioned Stephen Varenhorst Architects (SVA) and consultant Ken Smukler to conduct the study with support from a generous grant from Philadelphia philanthropist H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest. The team examined a number of potential locations along Philadelphia’s Delaware River and honed in on the “Foxwoods site” between Philadelphia’s Reed and Tasker Streets. The dynamic urban redevelopment initiative envisaged features the SS United States as part of a complex that incorporates hotel space, restaurant offerings, retail and office space, residential development, parkland and a marina, nature reserves, and a casino.
We will seek further feedback on the proposed design from city officials, local community advocates, and design experts. We will also continue to explore other possible development plans for the vessel, including several in cities other than Philadelphia.
To support this work and our other outreach and preservation efforts, the Conservancy is launching a year-end fundraising campaign and membership renewal push. As you know, our “Save Our Ship” Campaign launched in March was a great success. It culminated in our July 1 National Flagship Celebration at which we announced that we had received a $5.8 million pledge from philanthropist Gerry Lenfest – enough money to purchase the Big U and maintain her for 20 months. However, our national flagship still remains in grave danger. The Lenfest gift is the first step of a long journey toward redeveloping the vessel as a stationary attraction. Much work at significant cost lies ahead of us. You will soon receive a formal appeal in the mail, and we hope that you will consider supporting us at the highest level you can. In the interim, please consider making a year-end tax deductible contribution to our ongoing efforts on behalf of the SS United States by becoming a Plank Owner today, or by visiting our online donation page.
We remain deeply grateful for your continued support, and thank you for helping us secure the future of our great national flagship.
That's it for now ,
to find out more about the conservancy and their mission to save the SS United States
go to
To donate to the conservancy's cause
go to :
For the press release
from
Stay tuned for more updates and news here on Liveboat USA.
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