FFA opposes San Diego Ferris wheel development over aviation concerns
A giant Ferris Wheel proposed along San Diego’s Embarcadero has hit a stumbling block after the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) said it could be a hazard to in and outbound flights.
Looking to emulate the likes of the London Eye and soon-to-launch Orlando Eye, one proposal for the giant wheel would take people 450ft (137m) into the air, offering panoramic views of San Diego. Under the proposed plan, the 30,000sq ft (2,787sq m) development area would also house a pavilion showcasing the history of the city.
“I believe San Diego’s waterfront can be one of the truly great waterfronts in the world but we aren’t there," said real estate developer David Malmuth, who came up with the Ferris wheel concept. "In order to achieve that, we need to take action, big bold initiatives. Not just talk, not just plans, but actions."
In a memo to San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the FFA report said: “As proposed, the 443-foot waterfront feature would exceed obstruction standards and/or would have an adverse physical or electromagnetic interference effect upon navigable airspace or air navigation facilities.”
Following the FFA’s findings, it is possible the city could use alternate wheel plans by Bussink Design and Chance American Wheels. This wheel would be significantly smaller, standing 250ft (76m) tall with the ability to hold more than 430 people. The gondolas would have sound systems with MP3 players so riders could listen to music during the ride.
A third developer, also working on the Orlando Eye which is scheduled to open in April, is Allegus Development. The Port of San Diego is set to meet all three developers on 10 February to discuss the proposals. In its report, the agency said that a structure lower than 277ft (84.4m) would be more likely to be approved and that a higher structure could be possible, but would require further studies.
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
Three years after Pegasus Capital bought Six Senses, how close is the private equity firm to realising its goals for its first spa and hospitality investment? Pegasus’ founder Craig Cogut tells us what’s been achieved and what comes next