Statement from ICONA on Wonderland Pier
It’s been a few days now since ICONA announced what they plan on doing with the now-closed Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.
While this proposal hasn’t officially been presented to Ocean City’s planning board yet, early mockups of the project were published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, providing a glimpse into the future of this iconic boardwalk space.
Statement from ICONA on Wonderland Pier
Eustace Mita, owner of the ICONA Resorts brand known across the Jersey Shore, is planning to transform the Wonderland Pier site with a 7½-story hotel featuring 252 rooms.
The hotel will be aptly named “Icona in Wonderland,” a tribute to the historic amusement park that operated there for 94 years. The park was originally run by Ocean City’s Mayor, Jay Gillian.
In 2021, after Wonderland Pier defaulted on $8 million in loans, it came dangerously close to being auctioned off. Mita stepped in to save the beloved site.
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Gillian partnered with ICONA Resorts, with Mita taking control of the property to keep it afloat.
Earlier this summer, it was announced that 2024 would be the final year for Wonderland Pier in its current form, with ICONA officially taking over the property.
At that time, no details were shared about the park’s future. However, Mita’s team promised to explore options and update the public with their plans.
Reviving Wonderland’s Magic
In an effort to preserve some of the park’s charm, Icona in Wonderland will invest $1.5 million into restoring the historic carousel. Additionally, the iconic Ferris wheel will be relocated and elevated, with an additional $1 million allocated to update its lighting package.
This thoughtful integration of old and new aims to keep the spirit of Wonderland Pier alive for future generations.
A Statement from Eustace Mita
In an exclusive statement provided to the Wildwood Video Archive, Eustace Mita expressed his excitement for the new development:
“We recognize how important this property is to Ocean City, and are thrilled to present ICONA in Wonderland, an oceanfront hotel that we believe will be a win for the city, state, merchants on the boardwalk, and all of the people of Ocean City,” Mita shared.
He emphasized the need for more hotel accommodations, explaining:
“It’s a fact that tourism is the number one generator of revenue in Ocean City, and the number one supporter of tourism throughout the Jersey Shore is hotel rooms. That said, we have not seen a new hotel built here in 50 years. We need more rooms!”
Mita, who has deep ties to the community, reflected on his personal connection to the area:
“As an Ocean City resident, where I have raised my children and now have the pleasure of seeing my grandchildren walk the boards, we are extremely excited about the plans for this special spot on the boardwalk.”
Finally, Mita shared his commitment to preserving the legacy of Wonderland Pier:
“We look forward to preserving the rich history of Wonderland Pier, sharing the iconic Ferris wheel and carousel with visitors for decades to come.”
As the project moves forward, all eyes are on Ocean City’s planning board to see how this ambitious vision will shape the future of the beloved boardwalk and the surrounding community.
The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by the pier last week to film a video on what could be coming here. Check out the video below and be sure to subscribe.