Seattle's giant waterfront Ferris wheel nearly ready
SEATTLE - The Seattle skyline will never be the same as a new summertime attraction gets ready to open to the public.
A massive Ferris wheel on Pier 57 is in the final stages of construction - and is scheduled to open next month.
Owner Hal Griffith says the location provides amazing views - and construction challenges.
"It's different than being on ground, on land, because we are in 50 feet of water," Griffith says.
Crews are now hooking up power to the giant new attraction.
Nearly three years in the making, the wheel will electrify the Seattle waterfront with thousands of LED lights.
"Various colors, and they can be programmed to dance and swirl and do whatever," says Griffith.
The lights can also turn the colors of local sports teams.
But are locals ready to take a spin in the sky?
"It would be a cool idea ..." says one. But she won't ride it, because she's afraid. "Probably not me because I hate heights."
Another Seattleite says the Ferris wheel is a great idea - if only for the extra revenue it will generate.
"That would always be good - revenue is always good for the city."
Griffith say the wheel will be a legacy.
"For the city and the community, I think we have something that will be an asset," he says.
And starting next month, it will provide a landmark thrill ride for years to come.
A massive Ferris wheel on Pier 57 is in the final stages of construction - and is scheduled to open next month.
Owner Hal Griffith says the location provides amazing views - and construction challenges.
"It's different than being on ground, on land, because we are in 50 feet of water," Griffith says.
Crews are now hooking up power to the giant new attraction.
Nearly three years in the making, the wheel will electrify the Seattle waterfront with thousands of LED lights.
"Various colors, and they can be programmed to dance and swirl and do whatever," says Griffith.
The lights can also turn the colors of local sports teams.
But are locals ready to take a spin in the sky?
"It would be a cool idea ..." says one. But she won't ride it, because she's afraid. "Probably not me because I hate heights."
Another Seattleite says the Ferris wheel is a great idea - if only for the extra revenue it will generate.
"That would always be good - revenue is always good for the city."
Griffith say the wheel will be a legacy.
"For the city and the community, I think we have something that will be an asset," he says.
And starting next month, it will provide a landmark thrill ride for years to come.
