An artist’s rendering of the St. George Waterfront circa 2016, via EDC
Every year, more than two million tourists join the 75,000 daily riders on the Staten Island Ferry. With its unparalleled views of the New York skyline, and the unbeatable price of zero dollars and zero cents, the SI Ferry ride has become an essential part of the New York experience. But how to induce those tourists to step off the ferry on the Staten Island side?
That’s where the planned New York Wheel comes in. The observation wheel, which will be the biggest in the world, expects to attract four and a half million visitors yearly when it opens in 2016. The New York Wheel is just one piece of the St. George Waterfront Redevelopment Project, which also includes plans for a 200-key hotel, a 125-store retail complex, and beautiful waterfront park space. “The wheel, the outlets and the new housing that’s coming to this area is going to have an amazing positive impact,” said Wayne Miller, executive director of the St. George Theatre, a short walk from the ferry terminal.
An artist’s rendering of the planned shopping complex, via SHoP Architects
The waterfront plan is just the latest triumph for St. George, which just beat out fifteen other spots for Curbed’s neighborhood of the year award. St. George is still in the midst of a renaissance that began in the nineties and shows no signs of slowing down. Mixed with the landmarked Victorian homes of the St. George Historic District are modern developments catering to professionals who appreciate the ease of travel to Manhattan. Other recent additions to the neighborhood include the renovated St. George ferry terminal (2005), and the St. George theater, renovated in 2004.
The renovated St. George Ferry Terminal, via EDC
And don’t forget Richmond County Bank Ballpark, opened in 2001. Now owned by the New York Yankees, the park is home to the Staten Island Yankees, who begin their season in June. “We’re talking to various entities like the Children’s museum and now the new Lighthouse museum about putting together a ticket package of some kind, whether it’s a wristband, or actually a card of some kind,” said Steve Violetta, CEO of the Staten Island Yankees. Just one more reason to step off the ferry and explore Staten Island!
Businesses Mentioned Above
[blankslate_pages id=”d53fba08d38550, d53a080ef66b44, d53a0d4e77b6ad, d543c38c8bd22b” type=”card” show_photo=”true” utm_content=””][/blankslate_pages]
