N ew York may not have held the title to the tallest building in the world in years — nor might it regain that title in the foreseeable future — but there are plans to build what is being billed as the largest landmark in the world.
The New York Wheel — to be located near the terminal of the Staten Island Ferry in the Saint George area on the northeastern side of Staten Island — is expected to cost approximately $230 million. At approximately 630 feet — or roughly 60 stories — in height, the attraction will be the tallest observation wheel in the world and the only one located in New York City when it opens sometime in 2017. It will be the centerpiece of land which will consist of a 25,000-square-foot playground and a six-acre green roof that will sit atop the main parking lot, to be used mainly for music events.
Tickets are expected to cost between $25.00 and $30.00 per person; and the ride is expected to last for approximately 38 minutes. The New York Wheel will accommodate up to 1,440 people per ride; and is expected to welcome as many as 30,000 visitors per day and greater than four million visitors per year. It will be open from 10:00 in the morning through either 10:00 in the evening or midnight — and sometimes until 2:00 in the morning on special occasions — seven days per week and closed only for days where maintenance and severe weather is expected to affect its operations.
The project will strive for Platinum LEED — or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — certification to ensure that the New York Wheel is environmentally compatible, provides a healthy work environment; and is profitable. Details of this certification can be found at the official Internet web site of the United States Green Building Council.
I was on what is currently the tallest wheel in the world — the High Roller — when I was in Las Vegas this past September. I did not bring my camera with me aboard the wheel; but Kevin of Economy Class & Beyond has photographs of the experience in this article.
Whenever a major project is planned within the city limits of New York, Staten Island is usually the last place of which people think; so it is refreshing that what is sometimes known as the “forgotten borough” will be the site of The New York Wheel, where you will eventually be able to enjoy a potentially amazing view of New York Harbor, New York and northeastern New Jersey from a unique vantage point only previously seen by passengers aboard airplanes and helicopters.
Happy Memorial Day, if you are celebrating the holiday today.
Image Source: The New York Wheel.
