Navy Pier May Get Humungo Ferris Wheel

By Prescott Carlson in News on Sep 13, 2008 5:44PM

We know what you're thinking: "Uh, there's already a giant Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, what is this, Best of Chicagoist 1995?" Yes, there is one there now, but forget that dinky piece of shit, McPier wants to go BIGGER. As in twice the current size, putting the finished product at over 300 feet tall.

Inspired by other enormous Ferris wheels around the globe like the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer, and plans to build one in the international tourist hot spot Baghdad, the folks at Navy Pier hope that their new ride will "remake [Chicago's] image on the world stage." Hmm, wonder why that might be important?

The step could help the Olympic bid, one observer said. "The city's been very good about adding attractions on a regular basis; it did the planters, Millennium Park," said hospitality industry expert Ted Mandigo, based in Elmhurst. "This would add to the attraction of the city as a destination for the Olympics."

Well, if nothing else it will provide a kick-ass view of the Spire, provided it ever gets built. [Trib, Photo by {ryan}]