A nonprofit conservation group is floating the idea of making a moth-balled cruise liner on the Delaware River part of a
The 1950s-era SS United States has 650,000 square feet of usable space, and the casino project would be a great way to help preserve it, the SS United States Conservancy said Monday.
"We thought that we could kill several birds with one stone," said Dan McSweeney, executive director of the SS United States Conservancy, adding that the group wants to open up a dialogue on the idea. "It solves several problems simultaneously."
The group says it has the backing of philanthropist H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest, who earlier this year pledged to donate up to $5.8 million to save the SS United States, which is rusting away on the city's waterfront.
Under the proposal — which would cost $200 million to $300 million and have to be paid for by a public-private partnership — the ship would be moved and docked near the proposed site of the casino and made part of the project, McSweeney said.
Once renovations are complete, the 990-foot-long ship would have gambling on two floors, along with retail, conference center space and potentially office and performance space, McSweeney said. In an effort to save the ship, he said, the group was also looking at other options, including potential partnerships in New York City.
The 990-foot-long ship, which set the trans-Atlantic speed record on its maiden voyage 58 years ago, was removed from service in 1969 and has languished at a south Philadelphia pier for more than a decade. Norwegian Cruise Line bought the ship in 2003 hoping to return it to service, but put it up for sale in February.
A message left with a spokesman for the Foxwoods casino project investors was not immediately returned Monday.
Last month, Foxwoods said Harrah's Entertainment Inc. was willing to invest in and manage the planned casino project, which could become the second casino in Philadelphia.
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