AUSTIN | Misc. Discussions - No Politics

[lzppjb]

Very cool.

https://communityimpact.com/austin/s...-south-austin/

[ArchGuy1]

Here is an article that talks about the plans for a makeover of Walter E. Long Park. The plans include an observation tower and a ferris wheel. Does anyone here have any information on the plans for the observation tower and ferris wheel.
https://austin.towers.net/austins-fi...walter-e-long/

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by ArchGuy1

Here is an article that talks about the plans for a makeover of Walter E. Long Park. The plans include an observation tower and a ferris wheel. Does anyone here have any information on the plans for the observation tower and ferris wheel.
https://austin.towers.net/austins-fi...walter-e-long/

As noted in that article, so far that’s just the “vision” plan, with no real commitment or guarantee it will happen that way.
So no, there’s no other information on those possible elements.

[the Genral]

A Ferris wheel is a rotating observation tower so would we need both? Both seem like a waste of money given their intended location.

[Airwave Dynamics]

Originally Posted by ArchGuy1

Here is an article that talks about the plans for a makeover of Walter E. Long Park. The plans include an observation tower and a ferris wheel. Does anyone here have any information on the plans for the observation tower and ferris wheel.
https://austin.towers.net/austins-fi...walter-e-long/

Wow!! Those are incredible renderings!
Esp >>

[ArchGuy1]

Originally Posted by Airwave Dynamics

Wow!! Those are incredible renderings!
Esp >>

Would a ferris wheel proposed at the site be allowed to rise to 900 feet tall. Such a wheel was proposed for San Antonio in 2017.
https://www.kens5.com/article/news/l.../273-495496314

[ILUVSAT]

Originally Posted by ArchGuy1

Would a ferris wheel proposed at the site be allowed to rise to 900 feet tall. Such a wheel was proposed for San Antonio in 2017.
https://www.kens5.com/article/news/l.../273-495496314

No. I believe it may be in the flight path of ABIA. Also, this (and that SA ferris wheel proposal) is (was) just a vision. There is (was) no solid proposal to build either...yet.

The renderings (above) are from a June article.

The SA wheel was far more of a vision (and kind of a joke, TBH). However, I can easily see some sort of ground-level redevelopment of the Lake Long Park area.

[ArchGuy1]

Originally Posted by ILUVSAT

No. I believe it may be in the flight path of ABIA. Also, this (and that SA ferris wheel proposal) is (was) just a vision. There is (was) no solid proposal to build either...yet.

The renderings (above) are from a June article.

The SA wheel was far more of a vision (and kind of a joke, TBH). However, I can easily see some sort of ground-level redevelopment of the Lake Long Park area.

What is the tallest that any structure could rise in the park without it being a hazard to aircraft and therefore increased liability.

[ILUVSAT]

Originally Posted by ArchGuy1

What is the tallest that any structure could rise in the park without it being a hazard to aircraft and therefore increased liability.

I'm, not sure what the zoning/limit is for that area - but, it's not tall (maybe no more than 35' to 60' as for now). Anything with some height to it would, I believe, trigger a zoning change/variance. And, good luck with that for an observation tower/ferris wheel.

[ArchGuy1]

Originally Posted by ILUVSAT

I'm, not sure what the zoning/limit is for that area - but, it's not tall (maybe no more than 35' to 60' as for now). Anything with some height to it would, I believe, trigger a zoning change/variance. And, good luck with that for an observation tower/ferris wheel.

How high could a zoning change or variance allow for an observation tower or ferris wheel to be constructed.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by ArchGuy1

How high could a zoning change or variance allow for an observation tower or ferris wheel to be constructed.

It would go as high as a developer wanted if it could get approved by the City Council and FAA. There is not a specific number to throw out.

[ArchGuy1]

Originally Posted by The ATX

It would go as high as a developer wanted if it could get approved by the City Council and FAA. There is not a specific number to throw out.

Prehaps a 500 foot tall ferris wheel like what was proposed in Dallas back in 2018 could be built as part of the redevelopment of Walter E. Long Park.
https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburne...ver-get-built/

[GoldenBoot]

Originally Posted by ArchGuy1

Prehaps a 500 foot tall ferris wheel like what was proposed in Dallas back in 2018 could be built as part of the redevelopment of Walter E. Long Park.
https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburne...ver-get-built/

Ahhh...no! Let's quit the ferris wheel idea - especially way out there. It will be an economic dud. Plus, I'd be completely shocked if the city would allow for a 500' structure of any sort out there. Even if they did - the FAA may have something to say about it.

There are many, many reasons why it never came to fruition in Dallas (and SA). So...why would anyone think about spending the money to put it in the middle of a giant rural park? Horrible idea.

[ArchGuy1]

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

Ahhh...no! Let's quit the ferris wheel idea - especially way out there. It will be an economic dud. Plus, I'd be completely shocked if the city would allow for a 500' structure of any sort out there. Even if they did - the FAA may have something to say about it.

There are many, many reasons why it never came to fruition in Dallas (and SA). So...why would anyone think about spending the money to put it in the middle of a giant rural park? Horrible idea.

The idea of building a ferris wheel and observation tower there is to make that area a tourist attraction. So, what kept the ferris wheel that was proposed in the Cedars area of Dallas from being built. The FAA does not actually have the authority to prevent a structure that it deems a hazard to aircraft from being built. However, if one were to be built against the FAA's determination, there would be a huge amount of liability in the event of an incident involving such a structure.

[FrankLloydLeft]

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

Ahhh...no! Let's quit the ferris wheel idea - especially way out there. It will be an economic dud. Plus, I'd be completely shocked if the city would allow for a 500' structure of any sort out there. Even if they did - the FAA may have something to say about it.

There are many, many reasons why it never came to fruition in Dallas (and SA). So...why would anyone think about spending the money to put it in the middle of a giant rural park? Horrible idea.

Hard agree!

The every city needs a ferris wheel moment needs to stay in the past. Same with the observation tower ( which we already have at COTA). What makes Austin amazing is what makes us unique and a trend setter not a trend follower, and these kind of structural gimmicks work better for cities with a populace that a ferris wheel is still scene as unique.

If we're going to make this park into a proper destination, we need way to think past a gimmick.

Personally I think this could be a great reason to get creative on what can be in a park. Like take a look at how people crowd and fill up barton creek south of the dam for the pool. What if we built out a winding artificial creek with coves and gentle slopes like they did in San Marcos? I see people post online all the time asking about secret swimming holes that they somehow haven't learned of, why not take that as a jumping off point for building man made natural public pools?

Regardless, I think if we want this to be more than the typical clean up and generic architectural education hut, we need to think bigger than a ferris wheel.

[The ATX]

I agree. The only place for a gimmicky Ferris wheel would be at COTA Land, and I haven't seen/heard of any ride plans that include one.

[ArchGuy1]

Originally Posted by The ATX

I agree. The only place for a gimmicky Ferris wheel would be at COTA Land, and I haven't seen/heard of any ride plans that include one.

Would the Downtown area of Austin be a good location for a large ferris wheel, whether it is 500 or 900 feet tall.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by ArchGuy1

Would the Downtown area of Austin be a good location for a large ferris wheel, whether it is 500 or 900 feet tall.

No. Never. Not at all. I'm not trying to be rude, but I am curious about your acute interest in observation towers and Ferris wheels. You have been posting about it and nothing else for years on SSP and SSC in threads in cities all over the world. Most of us here have an abnormal interest in skyscrapers. But why do you care so much about observation towers? You can't possible visit all the ones you hope to see happen.

[FrankLloydLeft]

Originally Posted by The ATX

No. Never. Not at all. I'm not trying to be rude, but I am curious about your acute interest in observation towers and Ferris wheels. You have been posting about it and nothing else for years on SSP and SSC in threads in cities all over the world. Most of us here have an abnormal interest in skyscrapers. But why do you care so much about observation towers? You can't possible visit all the ones you hope to see happen.

I have a strong suspicion this is the digital ghost of George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.

I love a good ferris wheel, and honestly feel it completes the skyline of a good amusement park, but really don't see it as a must have for every city. The London Eye works because the city is a massive sprawling metropolis with a web of a layout. American grid based cities that could fit their whole metro in London, Tokyo, Mexico City, or Lagos with room to spare aren't going to provide the same level of awe.

Will say though, the tiny ferris wheel on top of the city museum in st louis is way more thrilling than i expected and the experience of being above the city like that was so cool. Probably due to it being a rickety bench of a ride and not these giant slow moving pods.

[ArchGuy1]

Originally Posted by FrankLloydLeft

I have a strong suspicion this is the digital ghost of George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.

I love a good ferris wheel, and honestly feel it completes the skyline of a good amusement park, but really don't see it as a must have for every city. The London Eye works because the city is a massive sprawling metropolis with a web of a layout. American grid based cities that could fit their whole metro in London, Tokyo, Mexico City, or Lagos with room to spare aren't going to provide the same level of awe.

Will say though, the tiny ferris wheel on top of the city museum in st louis is way more thrilling than i expected and the experience of being above the city like that was so cool. Probably due to it being a rickety bench of a ride and not these giant slow moving pods.

Why do the High Roller in Las Vegas and the Singapore Flyer in Singapore work.