Roanoke’s Center In The Square Proposes Bold Ferris Wheel To Boost Tourism In Virginia, US

Published on January 8, 2026

Roanoke, Virginia, a place that is remarkable for its beauty of the Appalachian Mountain views, is planning a very daring and colorful new feature in the skyline: a giant Ferris wheel on the top of Center in the Square. The name given to the project is the Sky Garden Project, which is meant to pull tourists in with a ride that provides the best possible views of the mountains around and the city below. This possible attraction might be the key to changing the whole tourism in Roanoke and making the trade in the area flourish.

A Visionary Plan to Transform Roanoke’s Skyline

The concept for the Ferris wheel comes from Tara Marciniak, president and general manager of Center in the Square, who has been exploring innovative ways to enhance the city’s downtown. Marciniak envisions the Ferris wheel as a year-round attraction that would not only offer stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains but also provide a unique and memorable experience for tourists.

Inspired by similar attractions in other cities, the Ferris wheel would be a major draw for visitors to Roanoke. The idea first emerged as a joke but quickly gained traction when the team realised the potential of utilising the large rooftop space at Center in the Square. As the concept evolved, it became clear that this Ferris wheel could become a central feature of Roanoke’s tourism strategy.

The Ferris Wheel’s Design and Features

The proposed Ferris wheel would stand between five to seven stories tall, towering over the city and offering riders a breathtaking 360-degree view of Roanoke and the surrounding mountains. Early discussions have also explored the possibility of an even larger 130-foot-tall Ferris wheel, potentially located on the adjacent city parking garage to further enhance the attraction’s prominence.

The gondolas would be enclosed, and feature heated seats, ensuring that the attraction is accessible and enjoyable throughout the year, regardless of the season. Marciniak shared her excitement about the addition of a giant LED star to the centre of the Ferris wheel, a symbolic tribute to Roanoke’s nickname as the Star City. This star would be visible from miles around, adding to the Ferris wheel’s allure, especially in the evenings when it would shine brightly above the city.

With the introduction of this feature, Center in the Square would be transformed into a key point of interest, encouraging not only tourists but also locals to return throughout the seasons. Marciniak believes that the views will be unique each time, offering a new perspective depending on the time of year.

Overcoming the Hurdles: Funding and Feasibility

The biggest challenge facing the Sky Garden Project is securing the necessary funding to move the idea from concept to reality. The nonprofit behind the proposal is seeking a 250,000 USD appropriation from the state of Virginia to fund a feasibility study, which would assess the structural and financial viability of the Ferris wheel.

State lawmakers, including Delegate Sam Rasoul, are being urged to support this funding request. The feasibility study is crucial to determining whether the Ferris wheel can be built within budget and, importantly, whether it will generate enough revenue to make it a sustainable and profitable venture.

Marciniak is keen to ensure that no city funds are used for the project, understanding that the city has already invested in a wide range of other important programs. Instead, the aim is to secure state-level financial support, which would cover the costs of the study and potentially part of the construction expenses.

Community Support and Local Impact

The Sky Garden Project has already garnered considerable enthusiasm from local officials and community members. Roanoke’s Mayor, Joe Cobb, expressed excitement about the prospect of adding a Ferris wheel to the city’s skyline, seeing it as a natural fit for Roanoke’s existing offerings. He also pointed to a similar attraction in St. Louis, Missouri, where a Ferris wheel sits atop the City Museum, proving that such an addition can be a success.

City council members have also shown their support for the project, recognising its potential to draw more visitors to Roanoke. Local businesses are expected to benefit from the increased foot traffic, as tourists explore the surrounding area and enjoy the new attraction. The city’s tourism department has already expressed interest in promoting the Ferris wheel as part of Roanoke’s growing portfolio of cultural and recreational offerings.

Next Steps for the Sky Garden Project

The Sky Garden Project is still in its early stages, with much work ahead. The feasibility study will determine the next steps, including finalising the design, securing contractors, and launching a funding campaign. If all goes according to plan, Roanoke could soon have a Ferris wheel that becomes as iconic as its scenic views, drawing visitors from across the country to experience its unique skyline and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

Bottom Line

The Sky Garden Project is not merely a Ferris wheel. It represents a dream for the future of Roanoke, which could eventually make the city a prominent spot on the map of Virginia’s tourist attractions. When the community actively supports the idea, there is a strong vision, and along with a little bit of state financing, Roanoke could very quickly become the region’s home for one of the most thrilling new tourism attractions.