New Jersey’s first Observation Wheel is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Earlier this month, Anthony Catanoso, president and principal owner of Steel Pier Associates in Atlantic City, N.J.—the location of the forthcoming wheel—and James Catanoso, operations manager of Steel Pier, traveled to Melara, Italy, where the wheel is being constructed. The duo visited for the first of three inspections.
The wheel is being constructed in six factories that are all contributing elements that will comprise the final project. At its completion, it will stand at 200 feet and be one of the tallest in the United States.
“From an operational perspective, it’s a unique opportunity to see a major ride such as this from a manufacturing level,” says James Catanoso. “We see the incredible attention to detail on each part and how all the involved factories are working closely together to create this magnificent structure. We can’t wait for visitors to Atlantic City to glimpse what we are seeing here.”
It is estimated to draw 50,000 riders a month. The wheel will cost $14 million and is being constructed with assistance from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the City of Atlantic City.
This is literally one the first legs of the new foundation for Atlantic City,” says Anthony Catanoso. “This Observation Wheel is truly a metaphor for how far we can go when it comes to building non-gaming venues in Atlantic City.The wheel, along with the Pier’s extensive renovation, are just some of the many exciting revitalization efforts going on right now at Atlantic City.”
