EASTON, Pa. — A new Hologram Zoo that would be only the second such attraction in the nation got Easton City Council's approval Wednesday for a five-year lease with the city.
28Fortune LLC will pay $7,380 a month for the Hologram Zoo to open in 6,000 square feet of space on City Hall’s first floor as soon as July.
Harshal and Manpreet Patel, the backers of the project, came to City Hall with their young son Wednesday evening to showcase the upcoming attraction.
“If you were to visit us in July, for example, you would have the option of viewing either Australia, dinosaurs, and Africa. You could do double shows if you like."Manpreet Patel, co-owner of proposed Hologram Zoo
The zoo will invite visitors to don a pair of glasses that let them view virtual animals acting as they would in the wild.
Visitors can witness an elephant spray them with (digital) water as it drinks in the African safari, watch a tiger walk over them in a tunnel, or see a playful seal pop up and greet them with a friendly gesture.
The Patels said their attraction — the only one in the country besides a location in Texas, where Axiom Holographics’s U.S. headquarters is located — will feature a 62-foot tunnel with digital displays, two animal enclosures and a sky roof.
Manpreet Patel told council and the audience the content will be changed quarterly, with three shows per quarter, plus a special seasonal event.
“If you were to visit us in July, for example, you would have the option of viewing either Australia, dinosaurs, and Africa," Manpreet Patel said. "You could do double shows if you like."
Other programs include tours of Asia, South East Asia and an aquarium, which now are being developed.
There also will be seasonal content for Halloween and Christmas, with features for Valentine’s Day and Easter to come.
A promotional video for the Christmas program showed a group of penguins that try to prevent visitors from getting to Santa’s workshop.
Toys come to life, elves dance, penguins pitch snowballs and visitors get to ride along with Santa on his sleigh.
Shows last about 30 minutes, with three groups of up to 12 people per group permitted at a time.
Wide range of experiences
Manpreet Patel described the technology as “top-grade,” citing Axiom Holographics’ work with companies including Lockheed Martin, BMW, Bentley, and Four Seasons Hotels.
“Our goal is to make this technology, 3D holograms that other people may have only read about or seen in TV shows or in movies, we want to put this in front of people of all ages so they can see what it is about,” Patel said.
At the end of a visit, visitors will be able to get a digital photo with animals or other programming features that will be available immediately via a QR code.
"And the rooms are really lifelike, immersive experiences. You would choose what type of show you want to watch.”Hologram Zoo co-owner Manpreet Patel
“In addition to the Hologram Zoo, we're also adding two large Hologram Rooms," Manpreet Patel said.
"And the rooms are really lifelike, immersive experiences. You would choose what type of show you want to watch.”
In the rooms, up to six people can experience a show. By syncing a wand with the 3D glasses, visitors can directly engage in special programs in which they protect parrotfish from stingrays, clean up the ocean or search for treasure.
There's even content for older audiences, such as a show where the participants have to escape from Dracula or Frankenstein’s monster.
More content can be used for special events, such as class trips, the Patels said.
The Hologram Wall also can be used by up to 30 people at a time — an ideal setup for school field trips or group meetings, according to the Patels.
A party area that can be booked for special occasions, as well as an arcade and a gift shop, also will be on the premises.
Admission and hours
According to Manpreet Patel, the zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission will be $24.99, with no charge for ages 3 and younger, and includes a 30-minute hologram show, a visit to the digital photo studio, a $5 arcade credit and a Projectogram — a mini pop-up card that shows a 3D image when viewed with 3D glasses.
A special discount rate will be available for students from schools, daycares or learning centers, or for senior homes, set at $15 per person.
The Hologram Room will cost $19.99 per session, with up to six guests in a room at a time.
Members of council commended the Patels for lowering the price for admission, which they said will help attract locals to the business.
‘Our choice destination’
The Patels said their primary market will consist of the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. Their location will hold exclusive territory rights across Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and Monroe counties, they said.
“We chose Easton as our choice destination because it is very accessible for visitors to get here because of the major highways," Manpreet Patel said.
"I just think it's a wonderful addition to our vibrant downtown, further enhancing reputation as a destination for all ages and for families.”Easton City Councilwoman Crystal Rose
"And Easton is known for its history, its heritage, and they have well visited attractions such as Crayola Experience.
“The restaurant scene here, there's a lot of people who are out and about late in the evening, and it's a mixed residential and commercial community.
"And we have found that the city has been very supportive, and they are open to new business ideas and startups.”
Councilman Frank Pintabone applauded the concept, saying it will be a great attraction for children and adults.
“I think it’s good, bringing things for the children, not only tourists and visitors, but also the residents as well," Pintabone said.
"It will provide them with entertainment as well as education, and I think it’s awesome."
Councilwoman Crystal Rose said she was thrilled the zoo got the lease, and said it will be a valuable addition to Downtown Easton.
“I'm thankful they invested in Easton," Rose said. "They could have really chosen so many other places to call their business home, so I really appreciated that they chose us in their consideration.
"I just think it's a wonderful addition to our vibrant downtown, further enhancing reputation as a destination for all ages and for families.”
Rose said she is excited to bring her niece and nephews to see the attraction.
