Completion date for PCB skywheel pushed back
The SkyWheel originally was supposed to be completed this month at Pier Park, but officials have moved the completion date to this summer following construction delays.
Matthew Stack, SkyWheel president, said officials hope to have the observation wheel up and moving in late July or the beginning of August.
“Construction of the project is highly complex. Despite being behind our original timeline we remain extremely excited about opening SkyWheel Panama City Beach,” Stack said.
In October, officials broke ground for the 200 ft. observation wheel that will feature 30 climate-controlled gondolas and a VIP gondola.
The foundation of the $1.8 million project is complete, Stack said. The main building is about 75 percent finished, and all SkyWheel equipment is in Panama City Beach, except for the gondolas, he said. The gondolas are scheduled to arrive in a couple of weeks.
Koch Development is developing the project, and the company has built a SkyWheel in Myrtle Beach, and is expecting to complete one in Newport, Kentucky, this year.
Officials still are working to complete site work at Pier Park, Stack said. The construction of the wheel probably will begin June 1, Stack said.
“Then we will complete all assembly, electrical, gondolas and testing. During this time the main building will be completed as well as the food and beverage building,” he said.
The SkyWheel will include smaller attractions such as a zipline and mini golf, which will be added after the SkyWheel’s grand opening. A concessions building also will accompany the SkyWheel.
The SkyWheel is expected to operate throughout the year, with trips lasting 10 to 15 minutes.
Source: Panama City News Herald
