Queen Mary to get $15M renovation, real estate development of surrounding land

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- The 80-year-old Queen Mary and the land surrounding her will be getting a $15-million makeover thanks to a real estate and investment firm.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said it's the largest single investment in the Queen Mary since she docked in the city in 1967. The 45 acres outside the ship will be developed with restaurants and retail stores that will bring in more nightlife and tourism dollars to the city.

"It's important to this city - as the city develops and downtown continues to improve - that these kinds of investments are made, so we're really proud of this project," Garcia said.

Real estate and investment firm Urban Commons will be taking on the task of making over the Queen Mary and surrounding areas.

The common parts of the ship, including the bar, will get new furniture and carpeting. The original hardwood and metal artwork as well as the lighting will stay. The staterooms will also get an overhaul, including the Churchill Suite, where Winston Churchill stayed on seven voyages.

"Most of what you see in terms of hard goods will stay, but we'll have all new soft goods. We'll have all new window treatments. We'll have new lighting. We'll have new bathroom fixtures," said Taylor Woods with Urban Commons. "We're creating a more of a spa-like experience and more of a boutique hotel-type of experience for our guests."

The interior renovations will be completed by next year. The development outside will be completed within two to four years.