Charles River Esplanade Given Landmark Status

Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

I think London stoled the march on everyone else (Pittsburgh could still pull it off because the ferris wheel was invented there) and now ferris wheel proposals (they're all over the place) seem derivative.

I realize Cambridge and MIT wouldn't go along with it, but it would be great if both sides of the Charles between Mass Ave and Longfellow bridges had unified landscaping and created a kind of single loop around the basin (with the bridge paths and landings modified to facilitate that loopiness).
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

Yeah, this is Boston, we just take an idea from everywhere else and expect it to be the best thing since the Tremont Subway.
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

Merlin Entertainments (owners of the London Eye) are in the process of building out an entertainment complex in Orlando dubbed "I-Drive Live" to include an Eye as well as their other attractions Madame Tussauds, etc.

I am not necessarily against an Eye for Boston (in fact I cannot think of a US city better suited for it) but it would be more interesting had they tried to think creatively -- aka the London Orbit.
 
it always seems like when old threads are resurrected news about them shows up as well.

http://www.bostonherald.com/busines...art_of_vision_for_future/srvc=home&position=2
Ferris wheel part of ‘Vision’ for Esplanade future
By Greg Turner
Friday, February 10, 2012 - Updated 3 minutes ago

A Ferris wheel like the London Eye could turn into a money maker for Boston’s Esplanade, according to an ambitious park revitalization plan unveiled last night.

The “Esplanade 2020 Vision for the Future” report follows two years of brainstorming by a volunteer team of designers, architects, environmentalists and traffic experts. They agree it’s time for changes to the 63-acre state park lining the Charles River.

“The problem is, we take it for granted,” said Ted Landsmark, president of the Boston Architectural College. “Over the years, it has reached a state where we need to resurrect it as the best we can be.”

The Esplanade Association, a nonprofit group that partners with the Department of Conservation & Recreation, outlined 10 “big ideas” for the park:

• Revive the park landscape and improve its maintenance;

• “Rescue” key gathering spaces with a year-round cafe opposite the Hatch Shell, a rebuilt Boston University Sailing Pavilion with observation deck, a pool complex at Charlesbank and Ferris wheel next to the Museum of Science;

• Return Storrow Drive to a “true parkway” by realigning pavement;

• Redevelop the Charles River dam to open up “lost river views”;

• Reclaim parkland by removing the Bowker Overpass and opening up the Muddy River;

• Introduce a “fast lane” for runners, cyclists and skaters;

• Create “beautiful gateways” and a welcome center;

• Make the park a major public arts venue;

• Develop a unified park identity with signs and wayfinding systems; and

• Secure resources to realize the vision.

DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert said he’s “encouraged” by the vision but warned there will be taxpayer funding “challenges” with maintenance needs already deferred.

But, he added, “whether it’s a Ferris wheel or cafe ... there are ways in which we can become more creative as a government agency to help create these kinds of visions.”
-— gturner@bostonherald.com
8a62a6_020912esplanadesc003.jpg

3ed357_BridgeEsplanade.jpg

c2796a_HatchCafe.jpg
Click to expand...
 
I like the idea of a new cafe and maybe some TLC but I'm not sure the Esplanade really needs a massive makeover.

This maybe sacrilege, but I'd rather see the Common get a complete overhaul.
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

It looks like the Esplanade has a better vision than the Greenway.
 
Last edited:
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

A Ferris Wheel? How original.

What the Esplanade really needs is a merry-go-round. And maybe a farmers market.
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

The Esplanade Association, a nonprofit group that partners with ...

Deja vu.
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

The ferris wheel in London is a disgrace. Putting a mini skirt on a dowager. How far the English have fallen from Victorian ambition...Parliament put in the shadow of an amusement park ride.

Yes, let us follow that degenerate example. Out do it with bungee jumping from the Custom House tower. Perhaps a spinning teacup ride and a dragon roller coaster rail link between North and South Stations too.
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

tobyjug said:
The ferris wheel in London is a disgrace. Putting a mini skirt on a dowager. How far the English have fallen from Victorian ambition...Parliament put in the shadow of an amusement park ride.

Yes, let us follow that degenerate example. Out do it with bungee jumping from the Custom House tower. Perhaps a spinning teacup ride and a dragon roller coaster rail link between North and South Stations too.
Click to expand...

Don't be shy- tell us all how you REALLY feel <:)
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

tobyjug said:
The ferris wheel in London is a disgrace. Putting a mini skirt on a dowager. How far the English have fallen from Victorian ambition...Parliament put in the shadow of an amusement park ride.

Yes, let us follow that degenerate example. Out do it with bungee jumping from the Custom House tower. Perhaps a spinning teacup ride and a dragon roller coaster rail link between North and South Stations too.
Click to expand...

Sure.

Ever since they built that gimmicky and useless Eiffel Tower, Paris has done nothing but go downhill.
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

Boston's only "eye" worth noting is long gone, and it won't be coming back...
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

OK, so no ferris wheel, but assuming they want to add something of that ilk, is there anything they could add that wouldn't be extremely tacky/an eyesore?
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

MBTAddict said:
...is there anything they could add that wouldn't be extremely tacky/an eyesore?
Click to expand...

  • A garden-style restaurant and bar;
  • A dock for a low-slung river-cruise boat, featuring food and entertainment.
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

^^But then you would be missing out on the chance for Boston to get the next Eiffel Tower.
 
Re: Giant Ferris Wheel on Esplanade

^^ I'd rather have a burger and a Hoegaarden under the trees, with a nice view of MIT.
 
statler said:
I like the idea of a new cafe and maybe some TLC but I'm not sure the Esplanade really needs a massive makeover.

This maybe sacrilege, but I'd rather see the Common get a complete overhaul.
Click to expand...

The Esplanade needs more and better access points.

Some wider and grander entryways to this jewel would be very positive for the city.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top