From the Ground Up: Parakeet Pete's Waterfront Balloon

Owner/developer: Darrell Henley, Emma Hamilton and Baron Alpha LLC
General contractor: Rich Kramer Construction Inc.  
Architect: Aerophare (Paris, France)
Engineers: Tom Edelman Engineering, structural
Size: 7,200 square feet  
Estimated cost: $250,000, per city building permit
Lender: N/A
Estimated completion date: Oct. 15  
Project description: The 180-foot observation tower and amusement ride was first built in Paris, France, before being deconstructed and rebuilt in Branson for Parakeet Pete’s, said Lowell Thomas, a senior project manager with Rich Kramer. Co-owner and General Manager Emma Hamilton said securing the balloon ride within the 40-foot wide tower allows it to be operated in the wind as opposed to a tethered design. In April, the owners opened Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline over Lake Taneycomo at Branson Landing. Retail prices have not been set, but Hamilton said they are expected to be under $25 per rider. She said the total project is expected to exceed $2 million, including international shipping costs, once it’s up and running.

Send project info to bbrown@sbj.net.