Dear SS United States Conservancy Members and Supporters:

Greetings!  We are writing to update you on the latest developments in our efforts to secure the future of our national flagship.  As you know, a generous pledge from Philadelphia philanthropist H. F. "Gerry" Lenfest enabled us to sign an exclusive option agreement to purchase the ship from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)/Genting Hong Kong, the vessel's current owners.  The Conservancy is now working hard to fulfill all of the regulatory requirements needed to claim title to the vessel before our option agreement expires on January 31, 2011.

While the Conservancy does not yet hold title to the SS United States, we have been progressing on various fronts.  On Monday, November 22, we will be holding 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 ship could be the catalyst for an innovative urban redevelopment initiative along Philadelphia's Delaware River.  To read the Conservancy's full media advisory, please 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, we are  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.

In gratitude,

SS United States Conservancy Board of Directors