New York City plans to transform Staten Island's waterfront by building the world's largest Ferris wheel there, along with a new retail complex and hotel, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced last week.
Called the New York Wheel, the planned Ferris wheel will be 625 feet tall, which is 84 feet taller than the Singapore Flyer — currently the world's tallest Ferris wheel — and 75 feet taller than the planned "High Roller" wheel in Las Vegas, which will be 550 feet tall. It will include 36 capsules, each of which will be able to carry up to 40 passengers, giving the attraction a total capacity of up to 1,440 people per ride, with an expected daily ridership of up to 30,000 riders.
"Our administration has made major investments all along the North Shore of Staten Island, because we know this area is full of potential for economic growth," Bloomberg said. "But this newest plan is the most exciting of all. The New York Wheel will be an attraction unlike any other in New York City — even unlike any other on the planet. It will offer unparalleled and breathtaking views, and is sure to become one of the premier attractions in New York City and the latest exciting addition to our newly revitalized waterfront."
Adjacent to the New York Wheel will be a 350,000-square-foot retail complex known as Harbor Commons, which will include 100 designer outlet stores and a 120,000-square-foot hotel with 200 guest rooms and a 15,000-square-foot banquet facility.
"As the first ever designer outlet complex in New York City, the development of Harbor Commons will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for specialty retailers to expand their stake in the most vibrant market in the country," said Donald Capoccia, managing principal and founder of BFC Partners, Harbor Commons' developer. "We are proud to announce this exciting project, which will be the go-to location for millions of New Yorkers and tourists each year seeking a breathtaking and free ferry ride to a dynamic waterfront destination with a unique world of value shopping and great dining."
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2014 on both the New York Wheel and Harbor Commons. The former will open by the end of 2015 and the latter in 2016.
"The New York Wheel is destined to become one of the city's — and the world's — great landmark attractions," said Richard Marin, [resident 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."