50°
Wonderland Pier owner Eustace Mita said he wants to create a 252-room hotel on the site of the theme park that closed in October, abc6 Action News reported. Mita is also the developer and CEO of ICONA Resorts.
The $135 to $155 million proposal would preserve Wonderland's famous Ferris wheel and carousel.
"Our thought was we will rehab it, keep it, and actually raise it by 10 feet," Mita told abc6. "That will be a $1.5 million project."
The hotel called "ICONA in Wonderland" would require the city to define the property as a "redevelopment zone" to allow for construction along the boardwalk. Zoning officials, city council, and the state Department of Environmental Protection still need to approve the plan.
The proposal also called for 375 parking spaces on the property. Mita said hotel rooms and parking are a huge need in Ocean City during the summer tourist season.
Mayor Jay Gillian, who owned the theme park, announced in August that he was ending his multi-year lease on the property. The park closed after 94 years of summer memories for children and families.
Mayor Gillian said he has "little choice" but to retire, closing the park and 6th Street Pizza and Grill along the Ocean City Boardwalk.
"The memories I've made with my family and the joy of meeting so many wonderful team members and guests will always hold a special place in my heart," he wrote in the closing announcement. "The 94 years of tradition at Gillian's amusements on the Boardwalk have been cherished by so many people, none more than me."
The park's final day of operation was on Sunday, Oct. 13. Hundreds of fans flocked to the iconic park to enjoy it one final time.
Mita also told abc6 that he hoped to break ground in the first half of 2025 and construction could take about two years.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Middle Township and receive free news updates.
