[NYguy]

http://www.silive.com/guide/index.ss...e_outlets.html

New York Wheel and Empire Outlets to become Staten Island's biggest tourist attraction





By Staten Island Advance
March 03, 2015

When they open in St. George, the New York Wheel and Empire Outlets are set to become the biggest tourist attractions on Staten Island and, arguably, two of the most popular in New York City.

At 630 feet, the New York Wheel will be the largest observation wheel in the world when it opens in early 2017. It will contain 36 capsules, each with the ability to hold 40 passengers. A ride around the wheel is expected to take 38 minutes.

Located in the shadows of the New York Wheel will be Empire Outlets, an open-air, pedestrian-friendly mall with waterfront dining, 100 designer outlet shops and a hotel. The project is scheduled to be completed by BFC Partners in 2016.

Work has begun on creating temporary parking for ferry commuters while the New York Wheel and Empire Outlets take shape.


NEW YORK WHEEL FACTS

Work is scheduled to begin before April.

The first spin on the Wheel is scheduled for early 2017.

It's estimated that the project will generate 500 full-time jobs with an annual payroll of close to $18 million. Salaries will range between $40,000 and $300,000.

The Wheel will rake in a total of $150 million in foreign investment through a popular federal program known as EB-5.

A subway-themed thrill ride is being planned for the site.

Once built, it will be the world's tallest observation wheel. However, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has plans to build an even bigger wheel in 2018.

Rich Marin is president and CEO of New York Wheel.


EMPIRE OUTLETS FACTS

The opening of Empire Outlets, the city's first retail outlet center, will provide 340,000 square feet of retail and food services space on four levels, a 190-room hotel, and garage parking for 1,250 vehicles.

The first phase of construction on the project started in December. It calls for the construction of a 1,250-space parking garage, which will be built next to the St. George Ferry Terminal.

In July, Seattle-based Nordstrom Inc. became the first tenant to announce it would join Empire Outlets with a 34,000-square-foot Rack store. Nordstrom Rack is an "off-price" retail division that offers shoes, apparel and accessories priced at 30 to 70 percent off.

Nordstrom Rack will anchor the mall, but there's been talk of Dolce and Gabana, Gucci and Kate Spade opening stores there.

While BFC Partners has yet to name other retailers that will set up shop at Empire Outlets, a New York City Regional Economic Development Council draft report says, "Empire Outlets ... has signed several anchor tenants."

In addition to high-end retail, plans call for 40,000 square feet of restaurant space.