For now, the SS United States is anchored in Philadelphia. But the historic ocean liner is at risk of being swiped out from under its owners, SS United States Conservancy. 

Right now they're sending out an It costs $60,000 per month to keep the ship docked where it is now, and the Conservancy is having trouble raising funds to keep it there.

If they don't find the cash by October 31st, they'll be forced to sell the vessel.

So it's good news that New York City's concrete kingpin John Quadrozzi Jr., owner of the Gowanus Bay Terminal, has made an offer to house the ship rent free if it can be converted into a new multipurpose development.

The idea is to convert the giant ship's 12 decks into a conglomerate of functions, including a maritime school, office space, maritime museum, eateries, gym, pool, and probably more to be announced should funding appear.

[anad]

Quadrozzi recently told The Brooklyn Paper, "I can't say enough how exciting it would be to be a part of getting this ship sited in this area of Red Hook." Plans include making the ship super green, utilizing solar and wind power as well as converting waste to energy.

But the main hurdle in the way of the project is funding, though. It's apparently going to cost fifty and two hundred million dollars to get the job done. 

via SS United States Conservancy

On top of development funds and the cost of docking the ship, the Conservancy also needs $500,000 in emergency funds to hold onto the ship itself. So, there are some problems with the plan. 

We're lowly writers, not mathematicians, but it seems like they're going to need a boatload of cash to make everyone's ocean liner adaptation dreams come true. 

Chances are, the improved vessel would be awesome and serve lots of purposes, but can the Conservancy pull it off, even with a NYC magnate's help? 

Only time will tell.

Check out 8 Must-Do Events to Cross Off Your Brooklyn Bucket List This Fall. 

[via The Brooklyn Paper]