Key Highlights
- Pete Davidson and Colin Jost’s dream of converting a decommissioned ferry into a floating hotel faces another setback.
- The latest issue: the discovery of deadly asbestos on the boat.
- The project has been delayed due to mounting repair costs and health concerns.
- Renovation plans include six bars, two restaurants, and outdoor event space.
Pete Davidson and Colin Jost’s Staten Island Ferry Renovation: A Setback
In a setback for their ambitious business venture, comedians Pete Davidson and Colin Jost have encountered another significant hurdle in their plans to transform a decommissioned ferry into a floating hotel. The latest issue revealed by RadarOnline.com is the discovery of deadly asbestos on the vessel, raising new health concerns and stalling all renovations.
The Dream Project
The duo bought the 2,100-ton ship in 2022 for $280,100 with grand plans. Their vision was to turn the decommissioned ferry into a floating hotel featuring 24 rooms, two restaurants, and six bars. The project’s initial goal was to create a unique entertainment venue that could move between New York and Miami. However, the reality has been far from their expectations.
The Asbestos Discovery
The presence of asbestos poses both immediate and long-term health risks. Dr. Snehal Smart, an expert contributor for The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, warned RadarOnline.com about the dangers. “The immediate health risks may be allergy-type symptoms like coughing or sneezing,” he stated. “Long-term health risks could be asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer.” Dr.
Smart further explained that asbestos removal requires professional intervention and can significantly delay construction plans.
The toxic material has stalled all renovation efforts on the Staten Island ferry, adding to the financial burden of the project. Davidson and Jost’s venture into a floating nightclub business has turned into a costly nightmare. “The only way to get rid of asbestos from a home or boat is through abatement performed by a professional company,” Dr. Smart added. “The time frame on this depends on the extent of the asbestos contamination.”
Financial Struggles and Friendship Friction
The project’s challenges have not only delayed their dreams but also put a strain on Davidson and Jost’s friendship. According to RadarOnline.com, stress from the ongoing renovations has caused friction between the two friends. “What began as a promising venture has devolved into bitter disappointment, serving as a stark reminder of the perils of mixing business with friendship,” a close friend said. “While Colin is scrambling to assemble a competent team, Pete seems to have gone AWOL.” The King of Staten Island star previously admitted he had no idea what was happening with the project when asked about hosting an after-party on the boat during the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts premiere in June 2023. Davidson joked, “Yeah, if it’s not sunk!” He also expressed hope that the vessel would transform into a Transformer and escape the costs.
The discovery of asbestos has brought new urgency to the situation.
Despite the setbacks, there is still some hope for salvaging the project. “Once the ferry has gone through asbestos abatement or remediation/renovation, there could be hope for salvaging it,” Dr. Smart optimistically added. The architect Ron Castellano expressed continued faith in the project’s potential: “It’s going to have a lot of things.
I think right now, we have six bars and two venues operated separately or combined.” He went on to say that the ferry could be towed between New York and Miami, providing flexibility for its operations.
The future of Davidson and Jost’s Staten Island ferry project remains uncertain. Asbestos removal is a critical step in moving forward with their plans, but it comes at a significant cost and time investment. The ongoing challenges highlight the complexities and risks involved in such ambitious renovation projects, especially when combining personal relationships with business ventures.
