NEWS: Myrtle Beach proposes SkyWheel ferris wheel

[jedimaster1227]

http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/local/grand_strand/article/myrtle_beach_merchants_envision_proposed_ferris_wheel_as_future_icon/191133/

 

Visitors coming to the Grand Strand could see a big new attraction in Myrtle Beach over the next few years. The city wants to bring a SkyWheel Ferris wheel to the beach by next summer. The 175 foot-tall wheel near Plyler Park will feature 42 gondolas that would be heated and air-conditioned so that it could be used all year long.

 

Chris Walker owner of Mad Myrtle Ice Creamery said from where his shop sits the wheel could be a pretty good view both from top and below. “You know anytime that you are the closest to an attraction that’s always a great thing,” said Walker, “All these years I would look out my door and to the Pavilion thinking ‘Wow those guys look busy down there,’ you know like Peaches Corner, Ripley’s and now I don’t mind them looking down at me and say ‘You know it looks really busy down there.“

 

Todd Schneider with Saint Louis-based Pacific Development said since the city’s boardwalk is getting rave reviews all across the nation, adding a wheel, a really big wheel could mean a big increase in those who chose the city as their ultimate vacation destination. “It’s such a unique opportunity to capture the whole Grand Strand into that 1.2 mile stretch,“ said Schneider, “We think it’ll be a stop on everyone’s vacation and our attraction. I think it will really be something that’s attracted to the locals too.“

 

Developers plan to tear down the Golden Villas Motels on N. Ocean Boulevard near Plyler Park and put up a building that will house a restaurant, retail shops and a SkyWheel ticket booth. City officials said the spot is a perfect location that could mean not only a positive boost in revenue for businesses along the boulevard but also a memorable experience for riders getting a view of the entire city.

 

“No one is building amusement parks in this country these days,” said Downtown Redevelopment Corporation. Executive Director David Sebok, “So aren’t we better off having an assortment of different kinds of attractions that are not always amusement rides?“ “I think we not only have a chance to make this as good as we remembered I think we can make this better than it’s ever been and I think we are all looking forward to that.“ Nothing on the project is being paid by tax payer money but rather through the investment of private funds equaling to more than $12 million, said Sebok.

 

The construction company plans to attend a meeting Thursday to get approval for some changes needed in the land for the project.

[DBru]

“No one is building amusement parks in this country these days..."

Please tell me I wasn't the only one who laughed out loud at this.

[Mechanic]

They could probably just buy HRP/FMP with that $12 million instead.

[Capitalize]

Year round will not last... Nothing will work being year round in Myrtle Beach I think.