Concrete Magnate Aims To Save SS United States From Becoming Artificial Reef
The SS United States was originally scheduled to be towed to its final resting place at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico last week after its sale to Okaloosa County, Florida. However, “a tropical disturbance” in the Gulf delayed the voyage. With this delay, a Brooklyn concrete magnate is making a last-gasp effort to save the last fastest ocean liner and convert it into office space.
A dispute over $800,000 in back rent resulted in the SS United States being evicted from Pier 82 in Philadelphia, the ship’s home since 1996. The ocean liner can no longer move under its own power with no other place to remain docked long-term, effectively forcing the ship’s conservatory to sell the vessel. Okaloosa County in Florida’s Panhandle bought the SS United States with a vision of sinking the ship off the coast, turning it into a tourist attraction for divers.
John Quadrozzi Jr., head of Quadrozzi Concrete, wants to bring the SS United States to New York City with the support of a conservatory co-founder. The Big Apple was previously floated as a potential destination with the ocean liner becoming affordable housing in West Harlem. However, Quadrozzi has more ambitious plans and owns Gowanus Bay Terminal on the waterfront in Red Hook. Gothamist spoke with him about his vision for the ship:
