If you’ve taken a spin on the High Roller Observation Wheel, then you know the appeal of a Ferris wheel-like attraction.
What you may not know, however, is that there were once plans for another grand observation wheel on the south end of the Strip across the street from Mandalay Bay called SkyVue.
SkyVue Las Vegas was to feature a 500-ft. observation wheel complete with 35 gondolas designed to hold up to 25 riders each. Like the High Roller, one rotation was to last 30 minutes.
Of course, the project never came to fruition and the two depressing concrete pillars are a weathered artifact hinting at what could’ve been.
The middle of the wheel was to feature a 120,000-square-foot LED screen which was intended to show ads to the incoming airline, vehicle, and foot traffic. The screen itself had ambitions of earning the Guinness Book of Records crown for the largest on Earth.
The Observation wheel was only the 1st of 3 planned project phases. The final two phases would include 1,300 hotel rooms, 550,000 square feet of shopping and dining options as well as a Casino (Because, Vegas).
The 38.5-acre property was to have a London, England theme and mirror many of the landmarks and neighborhoods within the actual city.
The remnants of the stalled SkyVue Observation Wheel project still stand today reaching a mere 61 meters into the desert sky. In 2014, all scaffolding was removed from the supports and the plot of land is now listed for sale.
Oddly, the SkyVue website is still active all these years later (for now at least).
August 2022 Update: While the pot of land once intended for the SkyVue observation wheel sits empty (sans the two depressing concrete poles), the parcel is once again on the market. Let’s hope a new, engaged owner can transform this sad reminder of failure into something everyone can enjoy.
See Also: Review of the High Roller Observation Wheel’s “Happy Half Hour” – Unlimited drink package!
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
vegasfan
Sunday 26th of August 2018
Thank you for that interesting info . I wasn't aware the 1300 rooms .
vegasfan
Sunday 26th of August 2018
oops, was supposed to say wasn't aware about the rooms !