Millcraft Esplenade, Giant Ferris Wheel Project In Pgh. Advances

PITTSBURGH, PA —Much anticipated plans to bring a giant permanent Ferris wheel to Pittsburgh likely will advance Thursday with the city Urban Redevelopment Authority selling 5.6 acres of property to Millcraft Investments Inc.'s Esplanade Partners.

The sale - involving land located in the Chateau neighborhood just north of the Rivers Casino and the West End Bridge - will speed Millcraft's plans to transform a 15-acre site into a mixed-use development centered around an approximately 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel and pavilion.

According to city officials, the pavilion will include a courtyard/winter garden that will include a restaurant and fresh food market. The exterior will feature areas for public seating and gathering, along with other amenities. It will be available to the public year-round and accessible from either the Esplanade streets or the riverfront.

The exterior will feature areas for public seating and gathering, along with other amenities. It will be available to the public year-round and accessible from either the Esplanade streets or the riverfront.

The project's $236 million first phase will utilize the URA parcels and include the 45,000 square-foot pavilion building; a 300-unit apartment building containing both affordable and market-rate housing and retail space; a 15,000 square foot space supporting the Ferris wheel; a 550-space public parking garage; and a mixed-purpose marina including a public pier, public safety uses, houseboats, and seasonal and transient slips.

Additionally, the project will include retail kiosks, splash park and ice skating amenities; a park-like amphitheater for small performances and local music and historical and educational placards on local figures and events.

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