More details released on The Humphreys Company’s (that of my big brother Grant and father Kirk) mixed-use project set to develop along the Oklahoma River.

From Steve Lackmeyer’s article in the The Oklahoman:

Humphreys said the Ferris wheel, 105 feet tall, will be the focal point of a development dubbed “The Waterfront” that over 10 years will include up to 950 homes, condominiums and apartments; 400,000 square feet of office space; 300,000 square feet of retail space; and a site for a hotel.

The Ferris wheel is being restored in Wichita, Kan., and Humphreys hopes it will be part of a first phase of development ready in time for the estimated 2012 opening of the new Interstate 40 Crosstown Expressway.

From Kelley Chambers’ article in The Journal Record:

Humphreys knew the development would have to have a special draw.

“We needed something to bring people across the river,” he said. “We wanted to create something that was a unique experience.”

He found his answer last year while looking at online auction site eBay.

The Santa Monica Ferris wheel was up for sale. Humphreys won the wheel with a bid of $132,400.

It was shipped to Wichita, where 160,000 light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are being installed and the ride is being painted and refurbished.