Construction Begins on Downtown Ferris Wheel

Skyview Atlanta

Construction on the new Ferris wheel downtown began on Wednesday. A broadcast version of this story

The 20-story Ferris wheel, named SkyView Atlanta, is being built across from Centennial Olympic Park.

The attraction will be different from the average Ferris wheel that would be at a fair, said Jason Evans, spokesman for SkyView. 

“It’s going to be much bigger than the buildings that surround it. We have more than 30 climate-controlled gondolas,” Evans said. ” It’s going to be warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and it’s going to give a great view of Centennial Olympic Park.”

Workers are now putting down 15,000 pounds of cement for the foundation of the wheel. Starting on June 24,  pieces of SkyView will be arriving from Pensacola, Florida.

David Helberg, the general manager at the Tabernacle next door, can see the construction happening out of his window.

“I think it’s wonderful, I think it shows off what we have to offer in Atlanta,” Helberg said. “As a business downtown, I think it will only increase the vitality of what we do down here.”  

The wheel is set to open on July 2.

The ride will cost $13.50 for adults and $8.50 for children, with military and student discounts.