To mark the centennial celebrations of Chicago’s Navy Pier in 2016, the city has commissioned a new Ferris wheel to replace the current one. This is just one part of the redevelopment work that is set to draw 55 million tourists into Chicago by 2020.

The new Ferris wheel will offer an enhanced experience for visitors to the area. Once it is installed, it will stand 49 feet higher than the existing one, which has been in place since 1995. It will also be capable of accommodating 180 more people in a single ride. The gondolas will be temperature-controlled, providing a comfortable and pleasant journey throughout the year.

It is set to be completed before next summer and will feature a number of safety elements. This includes the ability to withstand up to 115mph gusts of wind and safety glass that is suitable for strong storms.

The smooth ride will last 12 minutes and complete three full rotations; passengers currently get a single seven-minute journey.

Tourists booking luxury rentals in Chicago for the 2016 celebrations will be able to enjoy all the sights of the redeveloped pier. In addition to the new wheel, a number of new food and drink outlets are coming to the area.

This work will showcase the luxurious and contemporary side of Navy Pier and maintain its status as the number one leisure attraction in the city. It will bring a new energy to the area, drawing in more tourists and boosting the local economy.