Would it be considered anti-urban to root against this development?, because I am. How cheesy.
^ I don't think its cheesy, I would actually like to see it closer to 300' tall. Personally I believe the riverfront should at least have a Ferris wheel. Why not create a family friendly environment? Maybe that will motivate the city leaders and developers to start some kind of beautification process on the riverfront area, because people will clearly be able see how the riverfront is still a largely industrial and uninviting place. I'm betting that if the the loss limit is removed this November that we will see some big expansion from Pinnacle and although many urbanites think its goofy, it has the potential to be a serious tourist trap for couples, seniors that need a break from walking, drunk gamblers, out of towners.
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goat314 wrote:^ I don't think its cheesy, I would actually like to see it closer to 300' tall. Personally I believe the riverfront should at least have a Ferris wheel. Why not create a family friendly environment? Maybe that will motivate the city leaders and developers to start some kind of beautification process on the riverfront area, because people will clearly be able see how the riverfront is still a largely industrial and uninviting place. I'm betting that if the the loss limit is removed this November that we will see some big expansion from Pinnacle and although many urbanites think its goofy, it has the potential to be a serious tourist trap for couples, seniors that need a break from walking, drunk gamblers, out of towners.
Not really sure what to make of the artist rendering but I have to ask if attracting families and tourists alike is the goal....is this the absolute best way to do it?
Arch_Genesis wrote:goat314 wrote:^ I don't think its cheesy, I would actually like to see it closer to 300' tall. Personally I believe the riverfront should at least have a Ferris wheel. Why not create a family friendly environment? Maybe that will motivate the city leaders and developers to start some kind of beautification process on the riverfront area, because people will clearly be able see how the riverfront is still a largely industrial and uninviting place. I'm betting that if the the loss limit is removed this November that we will see some big expansion from Pinnacle and although many urbanites think its goofy, it has the potential to be a serious tourist trap for couples, seniors that need a break from walking, drunk gamblers, out of towners.
Not really sure what to make of the artist rendering but I have to ask if attracting families and tourists alike is the goal....is this the absolute best way to do it?
Everyone here complains about almost every development, but who here has the money and influence to push their own ideas on the riverfront? I just don't think its a bad idea for the area. Its being build on a empty parcel of land and just because some hardcore urbanites might think its cheesy, doesn't mean gamblers, tourist or children will. It has the potential to change the perception and overall feel of the riverfront. Hopefully it will be complimented with more rehabilitation and new construction. Please inform me if you think I'm misguided. Maybe I'm just cheesy
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^^I'm not rooting against it, as I said I'm undecided about it I'm not here to complain about it. I would just like some reassurance that its a solid move and that it will achieve the objectives that you hope it will. Its going up without my influence so rooting against it would be rooting against the city.
I just don't see the connection with gambling/drinking and riding a ferris wheel. I also never found many families on Laclede's Landing but maybe this will change things? I asked you because you're getting your masters in urban planning are you not? I'm not trying to be a sly skeptic like jlblues or CS. Just trying to get some answers.
I just don't see the connection with gambling/drinking and riding a ferris wheel. I also never found many families on Laclede's Landing but maybe this will change things? I asked you because you're getting your masters in urban planning are you not? I'm not trying to be a sly skeptic like jlblues or CS. Just trying to get some answers.
Arch_Genesis wrote:^^I'm not rooting against it, as I said I'm undecided about it I'm not here to complain about it. I would just like some reassurance that its a solid move and that it will achieve the objectives that you hope it will. Its going up without my influence so rooting against it would be rooting against the city.
I just don't see the connection with gambling/drinking and riding a ferris wheel. I also never found many families on Laclede's Landing but maybe this will change things? I asked you because you're getting your masters in urban planning are you not? I'm not trying to be a sly skeptic like jlblues or CS. Just trying to get some answers.
Yes I am pursuing a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University, but far from being a finished product....so I wouldn't consider myself a master planner or anything lol, but I just finished my first degree in Geography (I'm only 20, started college when I was 17, have a lot to learn but been around).
Anyway.......I'll lay out some points why I think it wouldn't hurt and can actually be a plus.
1. they are not tearing down any of those beautiful warehouses from what I've seen from the renderings. It will be built on the same empty parcel that was proposed for the failed Port St. Louis Condo. From a planning perspective this seems like a win-win situation, because an empty lot is neither income producing or contributing to the creation of a thriving environment. Trust me.....if they were tearing down buildings for this, I would be completely against it.
2. In the St. Louis today article it said the Ferris wheel would be lit up at night time. People crossing the MLK Bridge may have never been to St. Louis before (tourists, travelers), will notice it and could potentially be drawn to the landing area. Ferris wheels are usually perceived to be friendly, fun, and of the carnival atmosphere. Also the reason I mentioned gamblers is because people that leave the Pinnacle maybe tempted to stick around the landing for a while if there is the perception of a fun atmosphere. The reason I mentioned families is because the STLtoday mentioned children in the daytime.
3. From what I read on the St. Louis Today forum people seemed pretty excited about this project, but some had the assumption that it will never happen or get off the ground as they put it (ya know the not here in St. Louis anyway attitude). If given the chance I would like to prove those people wrong. Obviously everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but I do believe it will help the landing.
The newspaper's rendering shows the wheel's base at about street level with LK Sullivan Blvd. The Arch base sits around 40 ft. above this, so the highest car will rise 135 ft. up the Arch's legs. This is shorter than the 192 ft. tall Old Courthouse. Not sure how anyone "would enjoy sweeping views of downtown", as stated in the P-D, if located here. Something taller is required to help with the wow factor.
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As long as the city doesn't dump any money into this, and they think they can make a buck, I say go for it. I doubt that I would ever ride it (mostly because, other than the Blues Festival, I never go to the Landing), but others may.
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I like it, and I think it will be draw for tourists etc. how high is the four seasons deck? I ask because it has a great view and for that same reason I would also think the Wheel's view would be just as cool, so it will draw people for photo op's etc.
MidcoastSTL wrote:I like it, and I think it will be draw for tourists etc. how high is the four seasons deck? I ask because it has a great view and for that same reason I would also think the Wheel's view would be just as cool, so it will draw people for photo op's etc.
exactly, St. Louis isn't a city of 1000 footers.
No one noted that this is coming about because the Rodger brothers couldn't make their condo project go, Port St. Louis. Which I think is a much more worthwhile project for this parcel as one way to infill an area that once was dense urban fabric right down to the riverfront.
This would actually fit into Danforth's vision for Arch Grounds. It could anchor the north end on top of the parking garage. Make use of the grounds and a go between the Arch, tranquil grounds, and a commercial Laclede's landing (next to metrolink stop to boot)
Rodger brothers are already going for tax help. This project became known because of their TIF application. Still the biggest reason why I won't support it.
This would actually fit into Danforth's vision for Arch Grounds. It could anchor the north end on top of the parking garage. Make use of the grounds and a go between the Arch, tranquil grounds, and a commercial Laclede's landing (next to metrolink stop to boot)
Rodger brothers are already going for tax help. This project became known because of their TIF application. Still the biggest reason why I won't support it.
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^
And wasn't Pinnacle going to help finance their residential project?
And wasn't Pinnacle going to help finance their residential project?
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sorry if this has been addressed already - but does anyone know how much they would charge for a ride - length of ride etc? I'm just wondering how this would work financially. I like the idea though - wish it were a bit taller.
now if only they could attach a giant swing to the arch .......
now if only they could attach a giant swing to the arch .......
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mark... No mention on pricing... but the stltoday article posted above did say this
Passengers would ride for about 12 to 15 minutes in 42 gondolas, each with seating for six and outfitted with a video screen. From inside the heated and air-conditioned chambers, riders would enjoy sweeping views of downtown and deep into the Metro East.
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No offense, but would most people want to view deep into Metro East? Unless significant improvements are made, probably all you'll see over there is the Casino Queen.
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STLCardsBlues1989 wrote:No offense, but would most people want to view deep into Metro East? Unless significant improvements are made, probably all you'll see over there is the Casino Queen.
Agreed. Like I said, I doubt if I would ever ride it.
The Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier is $6/person for a 7 min. ride, but it is partially sponsored by McDonald's. I don't believe their gondolas have heat or AC though.markofucity wrote:sorry if this has been addressed already - but does anyone know how much they would charge for a ride - length of ride etc? I'm just wondering how this would work financially. I like the idea though - wish it were a bit taller.
I assume they'd try and get a similar type of sponsorship here. I can't imagine anyone paying much more than $6, but it might be something that Billy Joe Bob and Sally Cindy Sue from Sikeston would plunk down $20 for on their first trip to the "big city", especially considering there isn't anything else to do on the Landing.
I think it is a good idea, but not BIG enough.
The london eye is mainly successful because it is so large you actually get to see a great view of the city.
I would think this thing needs to have some sort of elevator to about 250 feet, and THEN you get on the wheel which will bring you up another 200 feet? In order for it to make it successful.
The london eye is mainly successful because it is so large you actually get to see a great view of the city.
I would think this thing needs to have some sort of elevator to about 250 feet, and THEN you get on the wheel which will bring you up another 200 feet? In order for it to make it successful.
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zink wrote:I think it is a good idea, but not BIG enough.
The london eye is mainly successful because it is so large you actually get to see a great view of the city.
I would think this thing needs to have some sort of elevator to about 250 feet, and THEN you get on the wheel which will bring you up another 200 feet? In order for it to make it successful.
It looks like it is as big as they can make it, given the small lot size.
^Those are for business meetings. They did say they were considering building a conference center, they just didn't mention that the conference center and the Ferris wheel were one in the same. 
Hmmm...just might be the perfect place for ultra-secret meetings. Think "cone of silence".
