[mhays]

I'll reiterate my skepticism from the local thread a while back. It's hard to imagine this making money. They're probably going for the local subsidies being handed out at the moment....maybe it would be feasible in that context.

That said, the concept isn't what I thought. Rather than elevators to top-level viewing levels, it would be "elevator" like windowed cars moving in the spiral pattern up the building. From the renderings it looks like two sets of tracks. It seems more like a ferris wheel experience vs. an observation tower.

This would eliminate much of the cost because it wouldn't need services at the top and wouldn't be top-heavy, allowing a much lighter structure (they describe light steel). Still it won't be cheap to build, or to buy a ticket. (From a nerd perspective I want to gaze at the view for 45 minutes, have a bathroom available, maybe buy a coffee...apparently not possible here.)

Part of my skepticism is that it's in the middle of Downtown where the views would be blocked by buildings. That goes double with much of the ride being at mid-height. A good viewing tower is usually off by itself. Further, Denver isn't particularly touristy or topographic.

The local firm wants to license a concept being offered by a third-party viewing-attraction company. I'd worry...if the goal is a civic icon and unique experience, what happens if the provider licenses other versions in other cities?

The company will also license shorter models. How about one in the 300-foot range by the civic center (away from the taller buildings) or maybe south of the S. Platte confluence (a new district being created plus a river to look at)? This would be much cheaper but probably have better views in either case.