http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/051229/story6.shtml

Gables firm scheduled to launch balloon rides this spring

By Suzy Valentine
Miami's first new attraction in decades is set to launch in the spring.
Tethered balloon rides are scheduled to begin at Bayfront Park in April if the city approves final designs next month.
Parrot Jungle and the Miami Children's Museum have opened in the past five years, but both were relocations.
Skylift Holding of Coral Gables plans a year-round attraction next to the downtown park's fountain. In July, the city adopted a resolution authorizing the park's management trust to grant Skylift a license.
Just one formality stands between the company launching the enterprise - its architectural plans are under review with the city's Building Department.
"It's the holidays," said President Mark Funnen, "so not much is happening. I anticipate our plans will be finalized in the first two weeks of January."
The tethered balloon can rise up to 500 feet - close to the height of the Miami City Club on the 55th floor of the Wachovia Tower - under Federal Aviation Administration regulations that classify it as an amusement ride rather than a flight.
"We have a waiver certificate from the administration for that location that we secured two years ago," said Mr. Funnen, "though it has to be renewed on an annual basis."
Skylift is working with JAS Group Architects of South Miami and Withers Construction Co. on the project.
"Since we received the final plans from the architect," said Mr. Funnen, "we've been working with the general contractor on the logistics."
Following the city's approval of architectural plans, Skylift plans to build out its location in the park.
"There will be some minor construction," said Mr. Funnen, "during which we'll convert the fountain area and erect a small launch pad."
Skylift plans to build a platform on a bowl in what park officials describe as the fountain apron, said a management trust representative.
"The fountain infrastructure will remain intact," said trust executive director Tim Schmand. "Skylift plans to open its box office next to the railing. We plan to synchronize the operation of the fountain so that the waterfall effect is in operation as the rides take place."
Founded in 2002, Skylift began planning the attraction two years ago. It has ordered a balloon for $1 million and plans to charge $14 for adults and $7 for children for the 15-minute experience. The ride can accommodate up to 30 people.
Riders can enjoy views of Miami's vista throughout the day. "There will be daytime and night flights," said Mr. Funnen, "and we plan to fly until 11 p.m. or midnight."
The fine points of how and when the attraction is to be launched fall to the Skylift board - Mr. Funnen, Becker & Poliakoff attorney Mark Scott and retired businessman Daniel Braverman.
"A huge event," said Mr. Funnen, "is something we're planning, and we will hire a public-relations company to get the word out. I believe that there will be some celebrities in attendance, but I couldn't say who they'll be yet. This is Miami's first attraction in decades."
The attraction is to provide Miami residents and visitors something other cities have long offered - an aerial view of their skylines.
While New York has the Empire State Building and Chicago the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center; Miami has no viewing platform for the general public.
"The view is going to be spectacular," said Mr. Schmand. "You'll see from the Everglades to Gulfstream (Park)."

Great news. But there's still nothing like seeing Miami from the Miami City Club.

I Like how they wrongly assume that the 55th floor of the Wachovia Building is only 500 ft up un the air...

Lets hope the FAA doesn't hear about this...

Better a big ballon full of hot air than nothing, which is what we have now... I'd bet that the almighty FAA would plot to shoot down this balloon by reclassifying it as a flight instead of an amusement ride, just because it might come within perhaps only 3,000 feet of a plane, too dangerous! Can't have that! I'm surprised they let Shaq walk around town without any red blinking warning lights for planes!

Great news! Glad to see that private enterprise is programming something special to get people into that park. It is an absolutely beautiful park but not many people seem to use it.

wow its almost at the height of the 55th floor miami city club loool where they getting their #s from

I never knew that 500ft. and 765ft. were really close. Wow! LOL

I'm confused... maybe it's just me... but I never considered hot air balloon rides to be observation decks. How does this work? Is there an example of this anywhere else?

Yes, In Berlin, Germany...Its a Large Balloon (already Filled...Does Not use Hot Air to lift...) which is tethered to the ground using some high tension cables. When all the riders are in they slowly start releasing the line as whatever the balloon is filled with starts to rise... I`ll try to find pictures of the Berlin one...Its located in Potsdamer Platz...

http://www.evilshell.net/euro/Berlin/images/berlin3_jpg.jpg

http://www.aidan.co.uk/md/DeBPotsdamerSBallon4731.jpg

http://www.fh-mainz.de/fr_innen/seiten/studium_lehre/exkursionen/

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~german/graphics/Balloon.JPG

http://www.kevinholliday.com/photos/2004/europe/images/08%20Berlin%20-%20Potsdamer%20Platz%20&%20Hot%20Air%20Balloon.jpg

Could be filled with helium.

^^ that's pretty cool -- would we be the first to have anything like that in USA? or maybe the western hemisphere....

^^ that's pretty cool -- would we be the first to have anything like that in USA? or maybe the western hemisphere....

I believe Niagara Falls has one.

I believe Niagara Falls has one.

Yep, i just checked to make sure it was an observation deck, and it is. Its located in Niagara Falls USA.

http://www.fallswedding.com/gif/balloon.gif

lol.. so much for first

Yah... plus I was at Niagara Falls like 3 years ago or 4. And I don't remember seeing that... Where was I? LOL

Yah... plus I was at Niagara Falls like 3 years ago or 4. And I don't remember seeing that... Where was I? LOL

It could have been on the ground at the time. I was there about 2 years ago and saw it, and i remember seeing it the visit before too. From the Canadian side its almost impossible to miss.

Lets hope the FAA doesn't hear about this...

That is why the baloons will not go higher than 500 feet.

THIS IS PRETTY COOL! :-D

http://miamiskylift.com/

http://miamiskylift.com/skyli.jpg

Skylift balloon rides will soon be offered in Bayfront Park. This new attraction will give riders an opportunity to float 500 feet (152 meters) in the air for a 15 minute ariel view of the Miami skyline.

This attraction will provide visitors something other cities have long offered - a birds eye view of the city. Before, if you wanted to see Miami from above, you had to shell out upwards of $350 for a helicopter ride. Not anymore.

The helium-filled tethered balloon will hold 30 people. Plans are to charge $7 for children and $14 for adults.

Following the City’s approval, Miami Skylift will construct the balloon ride next to the fountain in Bayfront Park. For information call (305) 444-0422.

NIIIICE....

well even though it's just a balloon it's better than notice and it will definetly bring people into the area so that's definetly good. downtown needs some more life into it, it looks so dull on the weekends and after work hours. i really can't wait until the life starts really being put into downtown when there will be good stores, restaurants and clubs in the area. oh well.

...and the expansion of the metrorail, that'll be the day -sigh-.

Is helilum inflammable like hydrogen?

Helium is non-flamable. Hydrogen is very flamable. want an example? Hindenburg.

.........

well even though it's just a balloon it's better than notice and it will definetly bring people into the area so that's definetly good. downtown needs some more life into it, it looks so dull on the weekends and after work hours. i really can't wait until the life starts really being put into downtown when there will be good stores, restaurants and clubs in the area. oh well.

...and the expansion of the metrorail, that'll be the day -sigh-.

I couldnt agree with you more. This will be great for the city. Every little thing helps and in time the vision that we all see for this city will start showing itself. I wish we could speed up these Metrorail extensions.

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2410/skyli0oz.jpg

Originally posted by dave I just wanted to add picture from jdnn to dave's posting.

The baloon ride / observation tower thing was approved:

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/060706/fyi.shtml (http://http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/060706/fyi.shtml)

Quote:
UPLIFTING NEWS: Another addition to Miami's skyline has received final permitting approval from the City of Miami and US Army Corps of Engineers. This one is to rise several hundred feet, and for a small fee, you can join in the ascent. Coral Gables company Skylift Holding has won permitting approval from the city and Corps of Engineers to launch a helium-tethered balloon at downtown Miami's Bayfront Park. "The balloon will go 500 feet in the air and will be a great attraction to the park," said Tim Schmand, Bayfront Park Management Trust executive director. The company expects to begin construction this month. Skylift ordered a balloon for $1 million and plans to charge $14 for adults and $7 for children to ride for 15 minutes. The sky ride can hold up to 30 people at once.

Is that what a one million dollar balloon looks like? When are they going to set this thing up? I am sure it can't take too long to build the base for that thing.

After the 4th of July, I've done a 180 on this thing. Putting it on top of the fountain is just all kinds of wrong. Leave the open space there, let us enjoy our bay views. The sales trailer will also block a major pedestrain pathway.

Ther's plenty of areas they could stick this thing besides the fountain.

These balloons seem to be popping up (no pun intended) all over the country. Baltimore has one in their downtown, and there's one here in Philly out by the zoo.

Guess it's the latest thing in urban amenities.

After the 4th of July, I've done a 180 on this thing. Putting it on top of the fountain is just all kinds of wrong. Leave the open space there, let us enjoy our bay views. The sales trailer will also block a major pedestrain pathway.

Ther's plenty of areas they could stick this thing besides the fountain.
agree with you totally

I think you guys are over reacting about open space and bayviews. Its not like this is some permanant building going there. Look at the picture. There is no view blocked from the ground to about 50-75ft in the air. The baloon portion is the only part of this that might block anyones view but it will be constantly going up to 500ft and down so is your view really blocked? The water in the fountain will still run as always. Yes the ticket booth is on a pedestrian path that like 25-30ft wide, but you will still be able to walk around it. If you live downtown you know that path has maybe 10 people on it at anytime one period of time through out the day. Don't act like this is some sidewalk in NYC that has ton of pedestrian traffic. Unless its New Years Eve/4th of July or a concert does this path ever get anything you could call pedestrian traffic. Come on guys your starting to sound like those people over the venetian causway arguing about skyscrapers being built in downtown, where else do you want to put them. I cant support your argument of your open space and bayviews when this balloon might cross your balconies path and interupt your view once or twice an hour. Let me reiterate this again. Look at the picture. Its doesnt block pedestrian ground level views at all. And ONLY IF you live on Biscayne Blvd, will it have any effect on your view of the bay and at that it might cross your window or balcony twice an hour as it makes its way up to 500ft. THE DEFENSE RESTS

PUT IT ON WATSON ISLAND NEAR PARROT JUNGLE OR THE CHILDRENS MUSEUM

Rx, I think those locations you mentioned are great, but I think Bayfont Park would be the best considering that all the tourists in downtown gather at Bayside and could just walk accoss the park to the sky-loft. I am for any of those locations but I think it comes down to what location is going to give them the greatest amount of ridership, and with Bayfront park its just literally a walk accross the park as opposed to a cab or bus ride to Parrot Jungle or Miami Childrens Museum.

I don't think the thing is going to be any huge obstruction (as umiami said), but I would warn that these same balloons I've seen in other cities sell space for advertising on the side...which is decidedly unattractive, obviously. No reason the one down there will be any different (it's probably the same company that operates them).

THEN WHY NOT THE NORTHERN END NEAR THE HARD ROCK CAFE AT BAYSIDE THAT STRIP IS ALWAYS EMPTY SORTA USED FOR EXTRA PARKING BUT ITS ACTAULLY PART OF THE BAYWALK

THEN WHY NOT THE NORTHERN END NEAR THE HARD ROCK CAFE AT BAYSIDE THAT STRIP IS ALWAYS EMPTY SORTA USED FOR EXTRA PARKING BUT ITS ACTAULLY PART OF THE BAYWALK

After thinking a little more about it, I'm going to agree that the site isn't very good.

Not so much because it will mar any views for downtown residents (it really won't to a huge degree) but because it will inevitably also be a huge billboard for whatever company buys space on the side to advertise and will become part of the skyline vista when looking west across the bay. These balloons are illuminated at night, btw.

I think we all have ENOUGH advertising in our lives. A big, round Tire Kingdom or Univision logo in the middle of the downtown panorama doesn't seem real easy on the eyes.

Too bad it isn't going in someplace like Metrozoo.

I think you guys are over reacted about open space and bayviews. Its not like this is some permanant building going there. Look at the picture.


The park is designed to have that view with the fountain fronting the bay. That's why the sidewalk is there. Putting the balloon there is just ugly. It's not my personal condo view, it's more the overall look of the park. I say put on top of the failed tower of light. If not there's other space they can use in the park that doesn't a interrupt a specificly designed view.

I have no problem with the balloon or with it being in the park. I just want it off the fountain and somewhere to the side.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=110191

Photo thread of a similar attraction in Beriut.

Does it stay on the base, attached with a cable? Or is it free-flying?

A slight bit OT, but I still think they should revamp the Amphitheatre so it can host more big time acts that have been skipping miami for many many years now. WPB has been taking all the good shows recently. Miami needs to get back into the swing of it

Trying to get back on topic, I don't really like this idea. It really seems kind of dumb. I can't imagine paying $14 to take a ride in this thing. Maybe they should put it over the Miami Circle instead since they aren't doing anything with it anyways.. Or it could be one of those many many features in Bicentennial Park, if that ever gets done.

Miami gets some big acts - but probably bigger than you are speaking. They usually go to the AAA - which has some fierce competition from the BAC. As for the people that can't sell out the AAA, but need somewhere bigger than the amphitheatre that they already have downtown, yes - they need to rennovate it.

Sorry, I should have clarified. My personal preference is to see bands at either very small indoor venues, like clubs and bars, or outdoor venues. I just really dislike Arena shows, to me it feels like most of those are over-produces and the band or singer is just trying to give something other than the music to distract me. I know it's not always the case, but I think you can get where I'm coming from. I look at the BFA and I think it's so under-utilized. It could be a world class amp. They wouldn't even really need to increase capacity too much, just update it and add some Video Screens. So many good bands are digging playing the smaller venues nowadays especially if it means multiple nights so they can get more money and get to enjoy a place for a few days rather than just a one night run through (which is already hard for FL cause you can't go through the state you have to go in and then back out.)

Sorry, I really don't mean to thread-jack...

Does it stay on the base, attached with a cable? Or is it free-flying?

They're attached to a cable and rise a couple of hundred feet (at most) directly above the base. Anyone living or working above the 20th floor of a building has a better view than what these balloons provide.

Basically, it's the consummate rip-off but squealing little kids will no doubt be able to drag their parents towards it and get them to fork over the money.

^^ Ok. So I don't think I like the idea anymore. Seems very carnival, to me anyway.

*aperez49* I know what you are saying about the arena shows. They are not at all intimate, which some people prefer. I think it would be in good interest to fix up the ampitheatre. What is it called, by the way? The BFA? I should know this . . . .

^^ Ok. So I don't think I like the idea anymore. Seems very carnival, to me anyway.



Yeah...they're pretty cheezy, at least in a downtown location, imho.

The one in Baltimore really detracts from the waterfront there, which they've done a remarkable job of revitalizing otherwise.

I think its a cool attraction, but it is way to ugly for that prime location. That fountain is actually amazing when people go there i.e. ...ULTRA. It shouldn't be covered up!! It makes it look like Miami is going backwards ...to its boarded up old self. It is the exact opposite message that needs to be sent to worldwide onlookers.

Even with the huge amount of buildings recently completed and iconic buildings such as the Miami Tower, Miami has NO public observation decks. If you seek out a tall building and ask the guy at the front desk they'll look at you like your crazy. The guy in the Miami Tower acted like he'd never heard of such an obscure thing as an "observation deck". I didn't try the four seasons but I'm guessing as an uppety hotel I'd they don't have one, and like the other buildings they won't let you "ride the elevator to the top floor to look out the window" xD

The problem is that even though there are many tall buildings, none of them seem exceptionally tall, they are all fairly equal and spread out over three districts such that in most photographs and skylines the Four Seasons is not even shown. Miami has no one clearly tallest building. But at anywhere near 1000 versus 600-800, and with it's location, One Bayfront Plaza would stand out, and I would assume that if they even mention an observation deck it will be public.

PS when I first went in the Miami Tower I casually walked to the elevators and saw that one said skydeck which I didn't know at the time was just the part way up lobby thing. It was evening and no one was around so I had fun hanging around outside on it. It really is cool but then the rent-a-guard said they were closing. I'm guessing that the skydeck is not a public thing either I just got lucky backed by my ignorance and got away with it. I posted this exact thing here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=68705533&highlight=#post68705533

I was just in Miami and one of the things I thought about was going in a building to look around. Immediatly I had the thought that I would be out of luck as I realized none of the buildings really stuck out. Hence I figured none would have a public viewing area. The Miami Tower skylobby does not count. But I did hang out there for a while not realizing it's something to be "reserved" by businesses not a public thing. But no one was around and I didn't know. In the One Bayfront Plaza thread someone mentioned that it was suppose to have an observation floor, but they weren't sure if it would be public because it was listed as being in one of the "office" floors. I would assume that since one was mentioned and that since that building will definately stand out that it will. It's about time.

Is there a building with a public observation deck/viewing area already?

Dadeland North parking station bld?

It's funny I just posted a thread asking if there are any observation decks in Miami; so someone else has thought of it. It seems that there really are none at all currently, not in one of the 50 new high rises. But the planned One Bayfront Plaza will have one. If you want a view like all the pictures of Miami show you have to have about 10,000 to spend every month. Or at least 300 dollars for a night.

Hahaha, actually, speaking of open topped parking garages, I sat on the top floor of the Aventura Mall parking garage because there was wi-fi and an outlet near the stairs. There were almost no cars on that level but eventually I saw an EZ-Go coming in my direction and I knew the drill lol.

"you know, you can't be up here"

I would have used the free wi-fi in the mall but it wouldn't work for some reason even though other people were using it.

And you know what pisses me off, I wasn't really there to shop and I was dressed pretty crappy and you really do get discriminated, but then in the food court there'll be some homeless person who wants your scraps who gets to just walk around unbothered.

I merged the two threads.

The Miami Tower does have an open observation deck on its roof that was actually designed as such as you can see from some of the pictures. It's just not easily accessible and not set up to accommodate the public. Since it wasn't going to be Miami's tallest anyway when it was planned, they went for the office space instead.

There is a skydeck near the top of 1450 Brickell, but I'm not sure about accessibility. I will be looking into that next week.

Club 50 at the Viceroy Hotel & Spa is open to the public after 5:00 pm on the weekends. You just have to buy an expensive drink.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5252226680_10a4feb906_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5252212124_4116105d68_b.jpg

The Miami Tower does have an open observation deck on its roof that was actually designed as such as you can see from some of the pictures. It looks like a Helipad was designed and utilized until they disabled it and then put tall barriers around the perimeter to me.
Maybe the level under the new B of A sign was a public observation deck, but I doubt it.

It looks like a Helipad was designed and utilized until they disabled it and then put tall barriers around the perimeter to me.
Maybe the level under the new B of A sign was a public observation deck, but I doubt it.

Whatever! I'm just going by what I've seen from up there in the six times that I've been up there!

Whatever! I'm just going by what I've seen from up there in the six times that I've been up there!
That is phenomenal, six times!
It looked more like "designed an open observation deck" than a helipad each time? I've only been up there once, so what do I know?
It looked like a dead ringer for a helipad with a big W back when I saw it.

If anyone is really interested in this idea though, you can google "Centrust Tower and helipad" and you will see the resume of the Superintendant that built the helipad and he could clear up the "Was it designed as an open observation deck or designed as a helipad" issue easily.http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5252212124_4116105d68_b.jpg

^^ Seeing as you're the only one that brought it up, I don't think anyone is really interested if it was designed as one or not. :okay:

I would be interested in going up there, if it wasn't for my fear of heights lol.

That is phenomenal, six times!
It looked more like "designed an open observation deck" than a helipad each time? I've only been up there once, so what do I know?
It looked like a dead ringer for a helipad with a big W back when I saw it.


Just from studying my own photograph, I can see where the helipad was/is with the staircases leading up to it, but there's a lot of room up there in the perimeter of the railing that circumvents the roof, so helipad or observation deck, take your pick. I'm going by where I saw the rail.

^^Good read.

I don't think the Empire State Building has too much to worry about. The attraction is the iconic (and romantic) nature of it to visitors as much as its height. I'd put it in the same category as the Golden Gate Bridge. There may be bigger suspension bridges around, but none have the same pull.

That said, been there done that. I look forward to being on an observation deck 500-feet higher than that in Manhattan in the near future when the new WTC is completed.

CN Tower in Toronto (and that glass floor) rocks, too. HIGHLY recommended (ugh...did I just type that?)

^^Good read.

I don't think the Empire State Building has too much to worry about. The attraction is the iconic (and romantic) nature of it to visitors as much as its height. I'd put it in the same category as the Golden Gate Bridge. There may be bigger suspension bridges around, but none have the same pull.

That said, been there done that. I look forward to being on an observation deck 500-feet higher than that in Manhattan in the near future when the new WTC is completed.

CN Tower in Toronto (and that glass floor) rocks, too. HIGHLY recommended (ugh...did I just type that?)

The Triple Crown....Top of ESB, CN Tower, and GGB.....all three are checked off of my bucket list too...

We should make a list of 25....North American things like that...that are a must...

That said, been there done that. I look forward to being on an observation deck 500-feet higher than that in Manhattan in the near future when the new WTC is completed.

The ESB's 86th & 102nd floor observatories are at 1,050 feet and 1,250 feet, respectively, while One WTC's observation deck will be an estimated 1,260 feet (with a spire rising some 500 feet above).

:okay:

The ESB's 86th & 102nd floor observatories are at 1,050 feet and 1,250 feet, respectively, while One WTC's observation deck will be an estimated 1,260 feet (with a spire rising some 500 feet above).

:okay:

Well..spell....looks like you won't be getting as "high" as you had hoped for in NYC....:nono:

Well..spell....looks like you won't be getting as "high" as you had hoped for in NYC....:nono:

I prefer getting high in Brooklyn, anyway. More dramatic visuals and all that. :cheers:

(and why won't they let me hang out on top of the WTC spire? I have a parachute.)

I prefer getting high in Brooklyn, anyway. More dramatic visuals and all that. :cheers:


:lol:

I intend to beat all of you when I'm at the top of the observation decks at Miaopolis, Empire World Towers, AND the shiek new One Opa-Locka Center

I intend to beat all of you when I'm at the top of the observation decks at Miaopolis, Empire World Towers, AND the shiek new One Opa-Locka Center

What do you mean "when?" I'm standing atop Miampolis right now with a huge bullhorn directing my minions far below. And I'm not wearing pants.

So there.

What do you mean "when?" I'm standing atop Miampolis right now with a huge bullhorn directing my minions far below. And I'm not wearing pants.

So there.

I am on top of Verticus....and I can see you!!!:nuts:

well I'm still on the balloon rides.......that's right.

What do you mean "when?" I'm standing atop Miampolis right now with a huge bullhorn directing my minions far below. And I'm not wearing pants.

So there.

We've got to get Spell back to Miami so his family and friends can take care of him. :ohno:

We've got to get Spell back to Miami so his family and friends can take care of him. :ohno:

I don't wear pants up here, either. It's hopeless.

I don't wear pants up here, either. It's hopeless.

What do you do with your bullhorn in Philly? Are you the guy with the sandwich board proclaiming the end of the world???

What do you do with your bullhorn in Philly? Are you the guy with the sandwich board proclaiming the end of the world???

Only on Tuesdays. The rest of the week I ride the subway dressed as a crime fighting banana.

Only on Tuesdays. The rest of the week I ride the subway dressed as a crime fighting banana.

I love super-heroes..!!!!:banana: