iFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving Opens in Virginia Beach
February 11, 2015
Three elements are part of $52 million development on the siteiFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving has opened the first and only vertical wind tunnel in Virginia at 2412 Pacific Ave. The $7 million facility introduces the most advanced wind tunnel technology in the world for a controlled indoor skydiving adventure. The 19,000-square-foot venue features a 14-foot diameter, 48-foot tall, climate-controlled recirculating flight chamber powered by four fans generating 1,400 horse power that create variable wind speeds up to 160 miles per hour. The adventure is available for flyers from age 3 to 103 and of varying capabilities. No parachutes are required and no experience is necessary to fly in the controlled environment.The company has locations across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Middle East and Asia. Virginia Beach is the company’s 27th location. To date, more than 5.5 million customers have flown in the company’s wind tunnels around the world. In addition to flying with the general public, iFLY Va Beach provides a new training venue for military professionals and civilian skydivers. For reservations and bookings, contact (757) 754-4359 or info@iFLYvabeach.com.“Our development team worked closely with the City of Virginia Beach to ensure a modern, state-of-the-art facility was constructed that provides a first-class experience for every customer while adding to the appeal of the oceanfront resort area,” said Robert Pizzini, CEO of iFLY Va Beach.The company has created 26 full- time jobs, including two positions filled with service-disabled veterans. The number of jobs will grow to more than 30 employees by the summer.“iFLY is a terrific brand not found anywhere else in Virginia or the East Coast,” said Warren D. Harris, director of Virginia Beach Economic Development. “We’re always excited to welcome another unique recreational or entertainment offering to Virginia Beach. Our residents and visitors enjoy opportunities for new activities, and I have no doubt iFLY Va Beach will be another big hit for the city and will add to its year-round appeal.” This entertainment venue is the first of three major initiatives for the 2.1-acre site on Pacific Avenue and 25th Street. The City of Virginia Beach is working with the Breeden Company on a public/private partnership to also develop multifamily housing and a 598-space parking garage, with 340 spaces allotted for public use. The site was formerly a municipal parking lot with 240 spaces.The residential development comprises 147 one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments that will open this summer. Aqua on 25th Street is a $35 million development with amenities that include a resort-style pool, rooftop decks and grills and a state-of-the-art fitness center. “iFLY Va Beach has been an extensive collaboration between the developer, the city, over half a dozen design professionals, the general contractor and numerous local and regional subcontractors, “ said Brian Revere, president of Breeden Construction. “It exemplifies the true meaning of a team effort. Everyone associated with the project dedicated countless hours and resources to ensuring the success of this project and it is clearly evident in this unique end product.”The cost to build the garage is estimated at $10 million, and the city’s contribution includes the expense for the garage, street improvements and relocation of utilities at the site. The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to attract and retain national and international businesses to stimulate capital investment and create jobs. Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia with a population of 440,000, and it is the 37th largest in the United States. It is recognized as one of the Best Run Cities in America by 24/7 Wall St. The Department of Economic Development received re-accreditation through the International Economic Development Council in 2012 and is one of only 29 economic development organizations in the world to have this recognition. It is listed among the Top Five Overall Mid-sized American Cities of the Future, Top 10 for Economic Potential and Top Five for Infrastructure by fDi magazine. CNNMoney.com ranked Virginia Beach as the Easiest Place to Start a Business and the 2nd Most Business-Friendly City in the country. For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com.
