Urban Commons Unveils Vision for $15 Million Renovation Onboard the Iconic Queen Mary in Long Beach, Ca
Enhancements spanning the entire vessel are slated to begin later this year
LONG BEACH, CA – August 10, 2016 – Los Angeles-based real estate investment and development firm Urban Commons today unveiled the vision behind their $15 million renovation plan that will span the entire vessel from guest rooms to public restaurant spaces onboard the historic Queen Mary docked in Long Beach, California. Since assuming the 66-year master lease of the ship in April 2016, Urban Commons has worked closely with world-renowned architecture firm Gensler on a vision to infuse contemporary influences onboard the ship to return the Queen to her glory days.
Urban Commons envisions celebrating the ship’s existing beauty by enhancing its original charm and capturing the nostalgic excitement of travel. The team plans to redefine the arrival experience with upgrades to the hotel corridors that will feature new carpeting, modern lighting and refurbished millwork consistent with the original design of the ship. Renovations in each of the 346 original First-Class Staterooms and nine suites will be all-encompassing, including new furniture, carpet and lighting. The team is collaborating with Brintons, a British manufacturer of carpets and designer of some of the original carpet onboard the Queen Mary, to recreate patterns from that era.
“Our goal is to channel a new aura of regal elegance while maintaining the ship’s cherished historic elements. We intend to stay true to the original art deco design of the ship by working with various manufacturers to emulate and modernise different patterns, designs and furniture. Through this process, we will work closely with the ship’s historical advisor to ensure we meet certain historical requirements,” said Taylor Woods, Principal of Urban Commons.
Next, the team will turn their attention to the public spaces and restaurants. The team envisions a plan to create new social hubs at each end of the ship that will serve as destinations for visitors and transform existing spaces onboard the ship into hip, trendy venues that will attract millennial audiences. Technology advancements will also play a major role in the interior renovations as Urban Commons develops creative solutions to cater to today’s tech-savvy guests.
“We are thrilled to be working in tandem with the City of Long Beach to solidify our plans onboard the ship and have no doubt that everyone will embrace and cherish this landmark when we debut her new look to the public soon,” added Mr. Woods.
Renovations are anticipated to commence later this year with a completion date slated for late-2017; The Queen Mary will remain open to guests during this time. The renovations onboard the ship will precede a large-scale development plan in the works that will bring to life a must-visit mix of retail, dining, adventure and entertainment options on the 45 acres of currently underutilized oceanfront land adjacent to the ship.
About Urban Commons
Urban Commons is a Los Angeles-based real estate investment and development firm with a successful track record for developing, repositioning and rebranding assets throughout the United States. The company focuses on impacting under-managed and under-utilized assets by developing innovative and emerging properties to promote optimal economic, social and environmental returns. Website: www.urban-commons.com
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