Jost-Davidson Ferryboat to Feature Nightspots, Public Spaces, Museum, Says Co-Owner

Jost, Davidson Ferryboat to Feature Nightspots, Museum, and Public Spaces

Comedians Colin Jost and Pete Davidson, co-owners of a decommissioned Staten Island ferry, plan to transform the vessel into a vibrant entertainment hub. The ferry, renamed the “Titanic 2,” will serve as a floating nightlife destination while also preserving maritime history.

Paul Italia, comedy club founder and third co-owner, revealed the detailed vision during a virtual Community Board 1 meeting. The plan includes two live entertainment venues, ticketed events, and spaces open for public tours, such as the pilot house and engine room.

The six-story ferry will feature food hubs, bars, small theaters, and a maritime artifacts museum across all six decks. Italia emphasized the importance of honoring the ferry’s 56-year legacy by collaborating with the Lighthouse Museum and Island historians.

Italia assured the community that staff with maritime and hospitality expertise will maintain the vessel responsibly. “There’s a big history and a legacy for this special vessel,” he said. He also pledged to address existing litter and waste problems at Pier 1, where the ferry would be docked.

This dual-location plan envisions the ferry docked at St. George for six months and in lower Manhattan for the remaining half-year. The ferry will be moved between locations by tugboat without carrying passengers during transit.

Community feedback recognized the ferry’s potential as a financial boost but raised concerns about limited parking and noise. Residents questioned if the ferry could attract enough visitors, citing struggles of other local venues such as Empire Outlets and Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.

Parking space at Pier 1 is limited, and the city plans to reduce the pier’s size, impacting fishermen and recreational users. Noise from bars and nightclubs aboard the six-story ferry also worried residents.

Although an official plan has not been finalized, Community Board 1 will review the detailed proposal once completed. Their advisory role could influence the city’s approval process.

Jost and Davidson have publicly joked about their ferry purchase yet remain committed. Davidson mentioned in media interviews that “a really good plan” is underway to make the project viable.

The ferry’s exterior will be consistently accessible to the public, providing a unique venue mixing entertainment and maritime heritage. This innovative project seeks to balance fun and historical preservation while revitalizing the waterfront.