ST. GEORGE — A time capsule is transporting current day Staten Island 630 years into the future.
Developers buried a time capsule in the foundation of the massive observation wheel being built on Staten Island's waterfront, with instructions that it be opened again in 2,646.
Workers spent hours Saturday pouring 4,000 cubic-yards of concrete into the second — and final — section of the base that will hold up the 630 foot, 20 million pound New York Wheel that's expected to open next year.
Mixed with the concrete was a container holding Saturday's edition of the Staten Island Advance, a letter from Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, a USB drive in the shape of the Wheel with video of construction, a magnet from Robbin's Reef Lighthouse, a jar of honey made at Urby Staten Island, a copy of the Staten Island Ferry schedule, a destination St. George brochure, a mini "Danny the Whale" College of Staten Island mascot, a miniature hard hat, a postcard and pen from the Staten Island Museum and a press release about the day.
Crews will next start construction on the legs of the $580 million attraction that will go into the two bases filled with concrete and steel.
"Now the real fun begins," Rich Marin, CEO of the New York Wheel, said.
"Soon, visitors will start to see the wheel rise up along New York Harbor's iconic skyline."
The 630 year wait corresponds with the height of the completed wheel.
"Staten Island is on the precipice of major economic changes thanks to North Shore development projects like the wheel," said Oddo in a statement.
"It is genuinely exciting to see this project taking shape. With the wheel's final concrete pour completed, we are one step closer to transforming the North Shore."
The massive wheel — adjacent to the St. George Ferry Terminal on Richmond Terrace — has hit several snags during construction including going nearly $300 million over budget and being embattled in a legal fight with two early investors.
Despite the setbacks, Marin previously told DNAinfo New York that it's normal for giant projects to have "lots of bumps" but they were still on track to open next year.
"I would challenge anybody who doesn't believe to come down here and look at the $250 million we have in the ground," Marin said.
"We're either delusional or something if we don't think it's real at this point."
