World’s tallest observation wheel to be built in New York City
28 September 2012
Plans have been announced for the New York Wheel, a new attraction that promises to enhance New York Harbour as a tourist attraction.
The New York Wheel, which will be built on the northeastern side of Staten Island, will offer city residents and tourists unrivaled views of the Lower and Midtown Manhattan skylines, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, and the New York Harbour. At 625 feet, or 60 stories, it will be the world’s tallest observation wheel, accommodating as many as 1,440 people per 38-minute trip. In terms of size, scope, and spectacular sights, the completed attraction promises to rival the London Eye, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sydney Harbour Opera House.
“The New York Wheel is destined to become one of the City’s – and the world’s – great landmark attractions,” said Richard A. Marin, President and CEO of the New York Wheel LLC. “There are very few opportunities in life to get involved with a project of this magnitude. We believe that the Wheel will quickly become an iconic fixture and we are proud and excited to bring it to Staten Island, New York City, and the Tri-State area.”
The New York Wheel project was proposed in response to the New York City Economic Development Corp’s request for bids for projects that would increase economic growth, boost tourism, and create jobs on Staten Island. The Staten Island waterfront is the ideal location for the New York Wheel, as the free Staten Island Ferry already attracts over two million tourists each year.
The project will include a large terminal building that will feature exhibitions about New York City history, alternative energy, and environmental sustainability; the site also includes significant open green space. Construction plans for the Wheel and the Terminal building will strive for Platinum LEED certification, the highest rating of sustainable building in the US.
Among the architects, engineers, designers, and consultants of the New York Wheel are: Starneth, B.V., an engineering company specialising in giant observation wheels and structures and builders of the London Eye; and Perkins Eastman, a leading international architecture, urban design, and interior design firm. Broadwall Consulting Services acts as the New York Wheel’s Construction Consultant. Construction on the New York Wheel is expected to begin in early 2014 with a grand opening scheduled for early 2016.
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