WonderWorks Attraction Nears Completion

General Manager Sande Weiss stands in front of the new WonderWorks attraction, which is scheduled to open at the end this month in Pigeon Forge. Work crews are rushing to complete the $9 million renovation.

The steel skeleton of the distinctive upside-down facade planned for the new WonderWorks is almost complete. Work crews from Denark Construction are rushing to complete a $9 million renovation in order for the new attraction to open on time.

"The end of May is still our goal," General Manager Sande Weiss said. "We've got crews working day and night, trying to get it up-and-running."The former Music Mansion on the Parkway is undergoing a complete transformation. When completed, the building will sport an upside-down facade that looks like an 82-foot-tall laboratory building crashed on the site. WonderWorks is planned to be an interactive entertainment center featuring a variety of educational hands-on activities.

Thhe interior of the attraction also is nearing completion. Walls now divide the once cavernous interior into several themed zones. Many of the exhibits are being installed as well.

Walking through the building on a short tour, Weiss pointed to a large ride that appeared to consist of two crescent-shaped vehicles attached to pendulums.

"We're calling it the 'Extreme 360,'" she said.The ride is human-powered. Two people sit in each car and begin pedaling.

"Before you know it, mechanics take over and you do a complete 360," Weiss said.

Passing through the entrance of the museum into the "Destruction Zone," guests will be greeted with a smashed ceiling with exposed steel beams. Nearby is a dimly lighted, enclosed exhibit.

"This is the 'Hurricane Hall,'" Weiss said. "This is where they are going to experience what it feels like to really be in a hurricane."

Weiss pauses to pull a tarp from the entrance to yet another exhibit. Inside, it appears to be a small cafe.

"This is called the 'Quake Cafe,'" she said. "The earthquake just oscillates you all over the place.

"In another section, Weiss points out an exhibit called "Swimming with Sharks." "It actually transforms you into the game," she said. "You'll actually see yourself in the game."These are just a few of the exhibits planned for the attraction.

The Pigeon Forge WonderWorks will be approximately 55,000 square feet larger than the attraction's flagship Orlando location. The local version will also feature a 300-seat dinner theater.

The attraction will also feature an optical illusion art gallery and a variety of other themed zones.

Owner Robin Turner purchased the former Music Mansion building for $7.25 million. Bullock Smith & Partners is the architect on the project. Denark Construction is the contractor.The attraction is expected to hire 90 to 100 full- and part-time employees.* jwdavis@themountainpress.com

Read the full Mountain Press story - click here.

Gatlinburg , Bear's Den , Bears Den , Smoky Mountains , Pigeon Forge , Entertainment , Dining , Children