An artist’s rendering of the New York Wheel, coming soon to Staten Island | Source: NYCMayorsOffice
It’s hard to make an impression on a skyline like New York City’s. The Empire State building, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty — no other city can boast such a wealth of iconic structures. But soon Staten Island will make its own bid for panoramic greatness. Staten Island, meet the New York Wheel.
The massive wheel, which at 625 feet will be the tallest in the world, is the centerpiece of the St. George Waterfront Restoration Program. Announced in 2012 and granted final public approval in October 2013, the Restoration also includes plans for Empire Outlets (a shopping complex that will house up to 125 designer outlet stores), a 200-room hotel, and new waterfront park land, all built atop an underused municipal parking lot.
Satellite photograph of St. George neighborhood in Staten Island | Source: Google
Site plan for Empire Outlets and the New York Wheel | Source: NYCEDC
The Staten Island Ferry, with its free admission and breathtaking views of the city skyline, has been a perennial favorite among tourists and locals alike. The St. George development will give ferry riders a new reason to step off the ferry at the other end. Located feet away from the terminal exit, the New York Wheel can carry a maximum of 1,440 people for the duration of the planned 38-minute ride. Your local county fair Ferris wheel this is not! The wheel plans to accommodate up to 4.5 million riders a year, according to the press release of the Economic Development Corporation.
