Roanoke Proposes Giant Ferris Wheel to Boost Tourism

Local nonprofit plans to build a colossal Ferris wheel atop Center in the Square to offer breathtaking mountain views.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:43am

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting a towering Ferris wheel structure with sweeping, smooth gradients in shades of blue, purple, and orange, capturing the grand scale and romance of the proposed attraction.A conceptual rendering of a colossal Ferris wheel soaring above Roanoke's skyline, offering breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.St. Louis Today

A local nonprofit in Roanoke, Virginia is proposing an ambitious plan to construct a colossal Ferris wheel above the city's cultural hub, Center in the Square. The visionary behind the project, Tara Marciniak, president and general manager of Center in the Square, has dubbed it the 'Sky Garden Project.' The goal is to create a unique attraction that combines a thrilling ride with stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains.

Why it matters

Roanoke currently lacks a significant downtown attraction, especially one that features an amusement ride like a Ferris wheel. The Sky Garden Project aims to draw more tourists to the area and provide locals with a new way to experience the city's changing seasonal beauty from high above.

The details

The preliminary plans include the possibility of a 130-foot Ferris wheel situated on top of a nearby parking garage, offering panoramic views of the entire city. The Ferris wheel would feature enclosed gondolas with heated seats, making it a year-round attraction. There is also a possibility of incorporating a gigantic LED star into the center, a nod to Roanoke's nickname as the 'Star City.'

  • The nonprofit organization behind the project is aiming to obtain $250,000 from the state to conduct a feasibility study.
  • If the project moves forward, the larger version of the Ferris wheel could cost around $4 million.

The players

Tara Marciniak

The president and general manager of Center in the Square, the visionary behind the Sky Garden Project.

Chris Venable

An architect from Spectrum Design who collaborated with Center in the Square on the feasibility of the Ferris wheel project.

Joe Cobb

The mayor of Roanoke, who expressed excitement about the proposal and drew parallels to a similar attraction in St. Louis.

Sam Rasoul

A delegate who Tara Marciniak hopes will present a funding request for the project to the General Assembly.

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What they’re saying

“Currently, we lack a significant attraction downtown, especially one that features a thrilling ride like this.”

— Tara Marciniak, President and General Manager, Center in the Square

“When I first heard about this idea, I was thrilled. Everyone loves the rooftop of Center in the Square. We have a fantastic restaurant and amazing views!”

— Joe Cobb, Mayor of Roanoke

What’s next

The nonprofit organization behind the Sky Garden Project is aiming to secure $250,000 from the state to conduct a feasibility study that will assess the structural integrity and financial viability of the proposed Ferris wheel.

The takeaway

The Sky Garden Project represents an ambitious effort to transform Roanoke's skyline and attract more visitors to the city's downtown area. If successful, the colossal Ferris wheel could become a unique and thrilling attraction that showcases the region's natural beauty and provides a new way for both tourists and locals to experience the changing seasons.