This photo shows the progress of the Skyvue project in May 2012. (Dave Lawrence/FOX5)LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Construction on the new SkyVue observation wheel is moving right along, officials said Wednesday.
Support columns that will be used to hold the massive wheel up already stretch more than 200 feet into the air, a spokesperson for the Las Vegas Strip attraction said.
The columns are scheduled to reach their full height over the next month. The spokesperson said the columns will be taller than SkyVue's neighbor, the Tropicana.
Construction on the actual wheel will start once the beams are fully built.
News on the progress of the SkyVue was released on the same day its rival wheel - the "High Roller" - was granted a Clark County permit allowing its construction to go forward.
SkyVue is planned to be 500 feet high and located at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, across from Mandalay Bay.
The High Roller is slated to be 550 feet high and will be part of the LINQ entertainment project at the center of the Strip. The project's owner Caesars Entertainment said it will be the world's largest observation wheel.
SkyVue officials said the wheel will deliver unobstructed panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and feature an array of retail, dining and entertainment options.
The wheel will also feature the world's largest 50,000-square-foot LED screen.
The project is on track for grand opening on New Year's Eve 2013.
For more information on the SkyVue observation wheel, visit www.skyvuelasvegas.com/.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
