Jump to content

Space Needle


MadVlad

Recommended Posts


  • Replies 146
  • Created
  • Last Reply

This is not an economically viable idea -- unless you put a casino on the top.

I see it as kind of the same type of investment as Riverfront Recapture, if it got built it would just be something for visitors to get out and see. We don't really have enough really cool and unique things for people to see in my opinion. Most of our unique treasures are in the context of historical Hartford and not modern Hartford. I wouldn't mind seeing something new and spectacular to kind of change that. The sailors and soldiers Arch wasn't econonically viable, I'm sure. It just cost a lot of money and looks good to show off. I think that's the same idea Vlad is going for with this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now there's an interesting idea ...

NEVER going to happen. The state would nullify their agreement they have with the tribes... 25% of the slot revenues. That's why the bridgeport casino didn't happen. If only the greedy state would send a larger share to the towns that are affected by the casinos.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, I don't profess to know a thing about the legal nuances in question. But simply on the face of it, it seems like a heckuva proposal. Which begs the question, has it been done anywhere else?

The only cities I can think of that even have towers like that are Toronto, Seattle, and Vegas. I think a revolving sky restaurant would be a hit like it is elsewhere.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it could be economically viable. Alone it would have a smaller chance of success, but add to it the other things that go on, or possibly could go on. Imagine Hartford 10 years from now. We have weekly outside music events at the riverfront, Conventions bring in tens of thousands, the Wadsworth's 2 buildings are bustling, you have to book days in advance to get into the Space Needle revolving restaurant, after seeing the views there the people move along to the Twain/Stowe houses, and the new Mohegan-Mandalay Hartford (see the tribal ties?) has a decent Welterweighht title fight. Cirque du Soleil just popped their yearly tent along Columbus Boulevard, Front Street is packed with people in the ESPNZone thingee because they couldn't get into the fight, Pratt Street is hopping because people need somewhere to go after the new Hartford Whalers opening night at Mt. Aetna (the new arena). They even look at the new ice rink being constructed where the old Civic Center used to be....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Vlad --

The Toronto Tower was build to house communication equipment. It's a broadcast tower with a tourist component.

The Seattle Tower was build as part of a World's Fair. Like the big globe in Flushiing.

Both those projects had sound economics at their foundatiion. You need a reason to build a space needle. And it has to make economic sense.

But I'm not a wet blanket. There is a structure like this that works. The Arch in St. Louis. Although not strictly a space needle. In fact, it is a completely unique structure. But it is based on the tourist attraction concept. There is nothing at the top except an observation deck. I have no idea how it works economically.

If I was you, Vlad, I'd try to figure out how the economics of the St. Louis arch work.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Vlad --

The Toronto Tower was build to house communication equipment. It's a broadcast tower with a tourist component.

The Seattle Tower was build as part of a World's Fair. Like the big globe in Flushiing.

Both those projects had sound economics at their foundatiion. You need a reason to build a space needle. And it has to make economic sense.

But I'm not a wet blanket. There is a structure like this that works. The Arch in St. Louis. Although not strictly a space needle. In fact, it is a completely unique structure. But it is based on the tourist attraction concept. There is nothing at the top except an observation deck. I have no idea how it works economically.

If I was you, Vlad, I'd try to figure out how the economics of the St. Louis arch work.

That's exactly the comparison I had in mind. Just something unique for us. Maybe something signifying the gateway from Yankees Territory to Red Sox Nation. LOL. :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Vlad --

The Toronto Tower was build to house communication equipment. It's a broadcast tower with a tourist component.

The Seattle Tower was build as part of a World's Fair. Like the big globe in Flushiing.

Both those projects had sound economics at their foundatiion. You need a reason to build a space needle. And it has to make economic sense.

But I'm not a wet blanket. There is a structure like this that works. The Arch in St. Louis. Although not strictly a space needle. In fact, it is a completely unique structure. But it is based on the tourist attraction concept. There is nothing at the top except an observation deck. I have no idea how it works economically.

If I was you, Vlad, I'd try to figure out how the economics of the St. Louis arch work.

I have no problem with it being a communications tower. Or a restaurant, or a tourist trap, or a great big lightning rod for Joe's School of Lightning to study how electricity travels during a storm. I understand the daunting task of making it economically viable, but as you illustrated, it can be done. There are others as well, Niagara Falls has one, as does Quebec City, Calgary, I think Vancouver has a little one too. The point is, it can work, has worked for whatever reason, and I'm sure someone that's a little more economically savvy than me can figure it out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, as far as the economics of the Space Needle or the Gateway Arch I think it works on several levels. These structures create an instantly recognizable symbol for their respective cities. You cannot think of Seattle or the Needle without thinking of the other...likewise with the Arch and St Louis. This results in these cities being a bit more memorable to people who are deciding where to go and spend their money. I doubt either structure supports itself in and of itself...but the structure's support of the city economy more than makes up for any lack.

The Needle I love and she is beautiful in person. The Arch is not too shabby in person either. Hartford could figure something out that would be as great an addition but I think it should be something a bit more associated with Hartford. The Arch represents the gateway to the west. The Needle is a Jetsons like vision of the future representing Seattle's connections to the aerospace industry. What does Hartford have that would make a structure personal...something Hartford could own...something that when people see it they think 'Hartford'. Then the city will make whatever money it invested in the structure back many times over.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

I like Northland's concept as well. If they do that, it would be neat if they could keep the ice exactly where it is. There are a lot of great memories from that ice. But I don't know if it would be too far below ground level for an outside attraction. Is the one at RC that far down?

I've always wanted a Space Needle kind of thing in Hartford. Maybe they can put a 40-story structure like that with an observation deck and restaurant at the top. Perhaps make it look like a huge sail. Make it the largest structure in the state and have it light up in green and blue at night.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like Northland's concept as well. If they do that, it would be neat if they could keep the ice exactly where it is. There are a lot of great memories from that ice. But I don't know if it would be too far below ground level for an outside attraction. Is the one at RC that far down?

I've always wanted a Space Needle kind of thing in Hartford. Maybe they can put a 40-story structure like that with an observation deck and restaurant at the top. Perhaps make it look like a huge sail. Make it the largest structure in the state and have it light up in green and blue at night.

I could go for that. I'm sure MVlad wouldn't mind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like Northland's concept as well. If they do that, it would be neat if they could keep the ice exactly where it is. There are a lot of great memories from that ice. But I don't know if it would be too far below ground level for an outside attraction. Is the one at RC that far down?

I've always wanted a Space Needle kind of thing in Hartford. Maybe they can put a 40-story structure like that with an observation deck and restaurant at the top. Perhaps make it look like a huge sail. Make it the largest structure in the state and have it light up in green and blue at night.

A tribute to Hartford's days in the NHL?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Every time a space needly comes up on this board, it gets more and more silly and ridiculous!

Of all the rebuilding and revitalization Hartford needs, a space needly is about basement level LAST on the list!

It's like buying a fancy wireless keyboard when you do not even have a computer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

mvlad would loves hearing the idea of a space needle.

I do have something to say about a tower/space needle.

I believe that attractions such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls are only mirrors to the cities they represent.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the top visited attractions in Paris. Many people visualize the Eiffel tower when they think of Paris. However, it doesn't mean the tower made Paris what it is today. It's just an icon for a vibrant metropolis.

That being said, I do like observation decks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There already is an observation deck in Hartford! It is in a building though.

Sorry guys, no need for a flying sandwich over the city

25zp0s5.jpg

You all already know my ideas and reasons for Space Needles. What I will add is this: a structure of that sort is absolutely iconic, would anyone know Seattle's skyline if not for the Space Needle? Would anyone recognize San Fransisco's without the Transamerica Pyramid thing? Toronto's without CN tower? Imagine if you will exactly how many people drive through Hartford on the highway daily. I'm not talking business commuters, I'm talking going to Boston, going to NH/Vermont, New Haven, Springfield, even NYC. Then imagine those people coming over a rise and seeing Twain Tower glistening ahead. If done right, those people could say "holy crap, where the hell did that cool thing come from, let's pull off and check it out". There is nothing of the sort in the area, the closest to my knowledge is Niagara Falls. It would be unique. Sweeping views of the city, the river, New Haven and Springfield on nice days. The western and eastern hills and valleys. Imagine going up there around dusk, watching as the sun sets over Avon Mountain, then settling in for some dinner as the rotating restaurant gives you views of City Place, the Capitol, the river, and Travelers Tower. If placed correctly, it would add to the synergy of the city. I've been a huge advocate of the lot on Cogswell/Broad and Farmington Ave (right next to I-84). CLose enough to walk to from the bus/train station. CLose to downtown for access to the things to do there. Bridges the gap from downtown to Nook Farm for access to Mark Twain/Harriett Beecher Stowe houses. Add it to the little yellow free bus route. Imagine the little tourist trap keychains, postcards, pencil, and junk that would float around, showing the skyline and screaming Hartford all over it. Then imagine all those things now without it. There aren't any, and that's the point....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Poeple are simple minded. If a new useless structure got people into the city, even if only to gawk at it and tour the observation deck, I'd be glad it was there.

So, that by definition means it's not entirely useless since more than likely most visitors to the city would visit it. I don't think a case can be made that people would not be interested in visiting it. We all know people would be. That's what curiosity is and maybe for that very reason we need something like it. People in general are not curious about Hartford enough to actually visit in my experiences.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.