Miami, FL – October 28, 2020 – Leaders from Miami’s business community and elected officials gathered at Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation (AAC)’s Bayside Marketplace to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel (Skyviews Miami). The event, in adherence with Covid-19 safety protocols, marks the culmination of a three-year, one-of-kind project driven by a collaboration of private and public stakeholders, which is expected to support continued commercial activity and tourism within Miami’s vibrant downtown for generations to come.

“Miami is adding another feature to its ever-growing list of incredible attractions,” said Mayor Francis Suarez.

“This new landmark reflects the innovative, fun, and stylish spirit of our great city,” added William D. Talbert III, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “I am grateful to all the individuals that worked to bring this dream to fruition.”

Already Miami’s most visited tourist location and a vibrant, open-air shopping and entertainment destination home to more than 180 businesses, Bayside Marketplace now features the 200-foot-high modern observation wheel offering unrivaled views of the city skyline and Biscayne Bay. This attraction is expected to continue to bring visitors to the Marketplace and support a best-in-class variety of locally owned shops, restaurants, and entertainment attractions.

“Bayside helped put Miami on the map as downtown’s historic tourist destination,” said Miami Commissioner Vice Chairman Ken Russell. “The Wheel brings a colorful and iconic touch to our waterfront for all residents and visitors.”

Developed by Skyviews Miami LLC and esteemed designer Ronald Bussink, Skyviews Miami includes 42 climate-controlled gondolas that each feature music and video and can support up to eight passengers of all ages. For special occasions, Skyviews Miami offers a First-Class VIP gondola, with seating for four in leather Ferrari-style bucket seats with a glass bottom floor, longer ride time, and other upgraded ride features. Skyviews Miami has opened in accordance with the state and local officials’ Covid-19 reopening guidelines. Face coverings are required, and social distancing is in effect. While families can board up to eight people per gondola, people not living in the same household will not be seated together. Hand sanitizer is provided for guests use. Gondolas will be sanitized between guest boarding.

“Bayside MarketPlace has led the way of safely reopening its shops and restaurants with outdoor dining along Biscayne Bay,” noted Miami Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5. “This iconic property is a landmark in Downtown Miami Dade County and is essential to the economic impact of the central business district. The property continues to attract both residents and tourists and I am proud to represent them in my district.”

In addition to partnering with Skyviews Miami, LLC to bring this new landmark to Bayside Marketplace, AAC has completed large scale renovations totaling more than $20 million since purchasing the property in 2016. Design and planning is already underway for additional upgrades at the marketplace that will soon be announced.

“In addition to its beautiful design, irreplaceable location and eclectic community of local vendors, Bayside Marketplace is an iconic destination thanks to the support and vision of Miami’s elected officials and business leaders,” said Joe Press, AAC Executive Vice President. “We are excited to add Skyviews Miami to the platform of fun and unique shopping and entertainment at Bayside, and thankful to all stakeholders that supported us through the development of this new attraction.”

“Skyviews Miami is thrilled to be able to open our spectacular observation wheel at Bayside Marketplace,” said Guy Leavitt, owner of Skyviews Miami, LLC. “Miami has been very welcoming to us and we would like to thank the residents of Miami and Florida by offering a special opening discount rate. The enthusiasm is in the air here at Bayside and we welcome everyone to come enjoy the best View in Southern Florida. We are proud to be a part of the great city of Miami!”

Bayside Marketplace and Skyviews Miami, LLC would like to offer a specific thanks to Mayor Francis Suarez, City Manager Art Noriega, City of Miami Commissioners, Miami Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, the Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA), the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Flagler District BID, the Greater Miami and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Marketplace’s vendors and tenants for their support through the development and completion of this project.

 For operating hours or to purchase tickets, please visit www.skyviewsmiami.com