Pittsburgh Giant Ferris Wheel, Esplanade Plans Progress

PITTSBURGH, PA — The city is one step closer to having a giant Ferris wheel as a key element to the $600 million Esplanade development in Manchester that will include residential, retail and entertainment components.

The Pittsburgh Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the master plan for the project, which will sit on 15 acres of post-industrial property along the Ohio River near the Rivers Casino. Piatt Companies, which is spearheading the project, is envisioning what it describes as a "inclusive riverfront community to live, work and play."

Piatt hopes to break ground on Esplanade next year.

According to Piatt, in addition to the 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel, the project will include:

• 1,600 feet of river frontage.
• 300 Apartments with.
• 105-plus condominium units
• 8-plus acres of public realm and open space.
• Retail.
• Food and beverage.
• A 225-room hotel.
• An aquarium.
• A permanent and transient marina.
• Houseboats.
• A river safety facility.
• A grocery store.
• Parking and multi-modal mobility hubs.
• An experiential museum of Pittsburgh innovations.
• A recreation trail.
• Public Art.
• A seasonal splash park/skating ribbon.

The master plan now goes before city council for approval.