The world's largest Ferris wheel begins construction in NYC

Staten Island is about to be a circus. The New York Wheel, which will be the world’s tallest Ferris wheel at 630 feet, is on the way: After construction began in May 2015, the legs arrived in Brooklyn for prep last month, and just this week, the massive pedestal base arrived at the Staten Island location. The 100-ton base was put into place by cranes, and it will be followed by the wheel itself, outfitted with 36 pods that can hold 40 people each.

Just in case you missed a sneak peek at the construction during Open House New York, here’s what you need to know: The wheel is scheduled for completion in early 2018, and it’ll be open from 10am to midnight, seven days a week. Rides are 38 minutes long and cost $35 per person, and the total cost of the project will be $500 million. And it'll provide a much-needed replacement now that the Toys R Us Ferris wheel is closed.  

 

The @nywheel's first two pedestals have arrived! 🎡 Original 📹 by @jsfnewyork #newyorkwheel #nywheel #ferriswheel #statenisland #construction #engineering #observationwheel #onebigwheel

A video posted by 6sqft (@6sqft) on Nov 14, 2016 at 2:43pm PST

 

The NY Wheel #nywheel

A photo posted by Jay Fine (@jsfnewyork) on Nov 11, 2016 at 7:36am PST

 

Brooklyn's working waterfront is alive in Sunset Park! Dignitaries, electeds, longshoremen, stevedores, my team and press celebrate the first delivery of (massive) parts for the New York Wheel at SBMT, our reactivated marine terminal. #nycedc #newyorkwheel #workingwaterfront

A photo posted by @jsnelson17 on Oct 4, 2016 at 2:59pm PDT