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Landry's group, which owns and operates several restaurant franchises, hotels and entertainment venues across the United States, currently prepares the reviving of the "Pleasure Pier" at Galveston, Texas, a coastal city located along the Gulf of Mexico.
The $60 million renovation plan intends to transform the old pier into a new “world-class" amusement park and family destination called Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. The existing 1,130 foot (345 meters) platform above the sea has been upgraded to accommodate 16 attractions, a concert stage, games of chance and skill, a wide selection of food venues and retail shops including a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant. The structure will hold between 6,500 - 7,000 people and a parking lot will be added on land.
Among the rides, there will be a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter rollercoaster custom designed with a 100 foot (30.5 meters) tall vertical lift, a beyond vertical drop and 4 inversions (Diving Loop, Vertical Loop, Immelmann Loop and a Top Hat). Called Iron Shark, the track will be 1,246 foot (380 meters) long and the cars (3 of 8 passengers with lap bars restraints system) will reach a maximum speed of 52 mph (80 kph). Click here to see Iron Shark’s simulation.
Visitors will also enjoy of a two-drops Interlink Log Flume (Pirates Plunge), a 200 feet tall (70 meters) swing ride (Texas Star Flyer), a 100 feet (31 meters) tall Chance Rides giant Ferris wheel (Galaxy Wheel), looping rollercoaster ride (Cyclone) as well as several thrill rides, family rides and kiddie rides (double decks carousel, bumper cars, tea cups, etc.) Click here to see some construction pictures.
Pleasure Piers are veritable institutions in the United States, with famous landmarks like Coney Island in New York, Navy Pier in Chicago or Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica. In the late 1940s, Galveston’s Pleasure Pier was the largest of its kind in the country with its concerts routine, ballroom, open air stadium, midway concessions and rides, aquarium and even… a fishing area ! For decades, it operated as an iconic family destination, stimulating tourism before being destroyed by a huricane in 1961. It was replaced by an hotel in 1965 that closed its doors in 2008 following the dammage suffered by another huricane. Since then, local authorities were looking at a business recovery of the site.
“The City of Galveston’s commitment to enhancing our Seawall experience has now been improved upon by one of Galveston’s own,” stated Mayor Joe Jaworski. “Galveston is proud to witness Mr. Fertitta’s and Landry’s historic investment in recreating the Galveston Island HistoricPleasure Pier. Galveston is back and better than ever, and the Seawall is leading the way,” Jaworski remarked.
“Galveston Historical Foundation is pleased to see this section of the Seawall and city revitalized with new attractions and a renewed spirit of heritage tourism,” said Dwayne Jones,Galveston Historical Foundation Executive Director. “Pleasure Pier will soon be one of the most popular points to visit in Southeast Texas as visitors and residents will once again experience the thrill of amusements and entertainment over the Gulf of Mexico,” Jones added.
Through the reinstatement of the Pier, Landry’s hopes to reignite interest, promote economic growth and bolster civic pride thereby attracting a new generation of Galvestonians and tourists. “Much of our plans for redeveloping the Pier are inspired by the people and places thatdefine Galveston’s rich heritage. We intend to perpetuate that vision with Pleasure Pier and create alasting legacy for future generations,” stated island native Tilman J. Fertitta, sole owner, chairman and CEO of Landry’s. “We have a proven track record for projects of this magnitude and complexity,and understand what is required to convert today’s battered pier into a world‐class venue,” Fertitta added.
Landry’s, who also manages another pleasure pier not far from Houston (The Kemah Boardwalk) expects to welcome about 3 millions visitors a year at mid-term and stated that more than 600 jobs will be created.
The opening of Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is scheduled in next May. For more information, visit www.pleasure-pier.com
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Nearly 400 members of the press and special guests - including the racing driver Ralf Schumacher and Miss Germany 2012 - were invited last Wednesday...
NewsParcs will do a full coverage of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando to have a look at the latest trends and developments of the global theme park industry.
