New York observation wheel forms centrepiece of Staten Island regeneration
Preliminary work is underway on Perkins Eastman/EEK Architects' US$790m (€734m, £527m) redevelopment of Staten Island, with the US's largest observation wheel the centrepiece of the transformative plan.
The wheel, which will for a time be the largest in the world assuming it is completed before the upcoming Dubai Eye, is being developed by engineering firm Starneth.
After it opens in Q2 of 2017, the 630ft (192m) high wheel would dethrone the 550ft (168m) High Roller in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the tallest wheel in the US and is expected to host 3.5 million riders on an annual basis. Featuring 36 capsules able to accommodate 30,000 visitors a day, the climate-controlled cabins will include permanent bar cars, and a 20-seat dining car.
The transformation of Staten Island, which briefly welcomes millions of tourists en-route to other locations using a free ferry service, will also incorporate Empire Outlets – New York’s first ever retail outlet complex. Built by BFC Partners, the retail development includes restaurants and a 200-bedroom hotel.
Once complete, the wider complex will offer a 4D ride, beer garden and amphitheatre. A nightly harbour light show will be an additional attraction, featuring US$7m (€6.5m, £4.6m) worth of LEDs.
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