A proposal being explored by Center in the Square could one day add a large Ferris wheel to Roanoke’s downtown skyline, potentially placing a new tourist attraction above Market Square.
The idea centers on installing a wheel — possibly reaching about 130 feet in height — either on top of the Center in the Square building or on a nearby city-owned parking deck along Campbell Avenue. The concept is still in its early stages, with no final location, design, or construction timeline determined.
At this point, organizers are seeking funding for a feasibility study estimated at $250,000. That study would examine whether such a structure could safely be supported by existing buildings, what installation might involve, and whether the attraction could provide economic benefits for downtown.
City officials have confirmed they are aware of the proposal but have not commented on whether a city-owned parking deck would ultimately be made available for the project. The concept, referred to as the “Sky Garden” in early materials, remains exploratory.
Center in the Square, a long-established nonprofit located in the heart of downtown, already operates museums, performance spaces, and public gathering areas that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The rooftop space, which currently includes dining and open-air features, has been identified as an area with potential for future redevelopment.
Two structures are under consideration: the seven-story Center in the Square building itself and the adjacent five-story Market Square parking deck. Any option would require extensive engineering review to confirm load capacity, safety, and installation logistics.
Ferris wheels have long been associated with fairs, festivals, and city attractions, dating back to their introduction at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. While Roanoke has never had a permanent downtown wheel, nearby Salem once featured one at Lakeside Amusement Park before it closed. On the global scale, Ferris wheels have become major landmarks in cities around the world.
If pursued, the wheel under discussion would be far smaller than international examples but still large enough to offer elevated views of downtown Roanoke and surrounding areas. Preliminary concepts suggest enclosed passenger cars and a structure weighing several hundred thousand pounds.
Local leaders have expressed general openness to innovative ideas that could draw attention and activity to the city center, though no commitments have been made. Any request for public funding would need to go through formal approval processes at the local or state level.
For now, the Ferris wheel remains a concept rather than a project, with feasibility, cost, and long-term impact still to be determined. Whether it moves forward will depend on study results, funding decisions, and broader community and governmental support.