ROANOKE, Va. — Center in the Square is exploring the development of a rooftop Sky Garden that would include free public green space, event facilities and a potential Ferris wheel as part of a broader effort to enhance downtown Roanoke’s visitor experience and economic impact.

The Sky Garden is envisioned as a dynamic rooftop destination featuring landscaped gardens, fountains, shaded seating and gathering areas open to the public. Plans also include a pavilion suitable for student field trips and rentable for small weddings and special events, along with a ticketed Ferris wheel or observation wheel offering panoramic views of the city.

“The views of the surrounding mountains are already magnificent from our rooftop.  But imagine what you could see from the top of a Ferris wheel,” said Tara Marciniak, President and General manager of Center in the Square.  Marciniak believes people would travel great distances for the experience.

Increased rooftop activity also helped shape the concept. The success of Six and Sky Rooftop Grille has significantly boosted foot traffic to Center in the Square’s upper levels, creating momentum to expand and enhance rooftop amenities.

As a nonprofit organization focused on downtown Roanoke vitality, Center in the Square leadership believes the Sky Garden would complement existing attractions while drawing new visitors to the city.

The next step toward advancing the project is a feasibility study to evaluate appropriate size and placement, structural requirements, necessary reinforcements and overall viability. Center in the Square is exploring multiple funding options for the study and is currently pursuing an appropriation through the Virginia General Assembly.

Center leaders describe the Sky Garden as an economic development initiative that could attract additional tourism dollars, generate new tax revenue for the city and strengthen the organization’s educational programming and outreach to surrounding rural communities.

Requesting state funding for a feasibility study is a standard first step for projects of this scale, allowing lawmakers to evaluate potential benefits before any decisions are made regarding full project funding.