Perkins Eastman was commissioned to design a dynamic new mixed-use destination district featuring the New York Wheel, adjacent to Staten Island’s ferry terminal. A combination of engineering prowess, passenger terminal, parking garage, public attraction and scenic natural landscapes, this new landmark is expected to attract millions of visitors every year.The New York Wheel, a 60-story observation wheel will be the world’s tallest when it opens in 2017. Soaring at 630 feet above New York Harbor and accommodating up to 1,440 people per ride, the Wheel will feature a 38-minute ride providing stunning views of Lower Manhattan, the outer boroughs, and the connecting waterways. It will transform the currently underused waterfront while creating one of the most vibrant canvas on the New York skyline. The project integrates the passenger flow and transit functions of a major Ferry Terminal, water taxi, chartered and shuttle bus service, with a terminal building and parking garage for commuters and visitors.The 70,000 sf (6,503 sm) Wheel Terminal building includes all the core ticketing, security, waiting, food service, retail, secondary attractions and passenger amenities of a modern passenger terminal. It is connected directly with a 950-car parking garage and bus storage facility, an esplanade along the waterfront and an expansive multi-level outdoor space and landscape program. The Wheel’s five-acre green roof will be one of the largest in North America and will host large events including concerts, food festivals, and corporate gatherings.The result of an effective partnership between the city’s Economic Development arm, private developer, financiers and the community, this venture combines high design aspirations and unique foundation and engineering challenges with the construction, financing and phasing complexities of a high profile project.