The world-famous Wonder Wheel, the centerpiece of the park, was built in 1920. Standing 15 stories tall and weighing 200 tons, its owners say it has given more than 35 million rides in its lifetime while maintaining a perfect safety record. The Wonder Wheel was designated a New York City landmark in 1989. The Vourderis family purchased it in 1983 after years of operating food stands along the boardwalk.