Adventure Quest Pigeon Forge Revealed

If you've been wondering what's going on with the former Helicopter Headquarters on the Parkway, here's the answer.

The building was purchased last December by the investment group Holrob-Henderson Chapel. The property was then leased to Adventure Quest Entertainment Group, an affiliate of Holrob-Henderson and owned in part by Pigeon Forge resident Jay Ogle. That firm is planning an indoor amusement park. Adventure Quest is a $12.4 million investment due to open in June.

The 28,000-square-foot structure is being referred to as a family adventure attraction. Exactly what it will include, though, remains a secret known only to those involved. Specific attractions have not yet been disclosed."We are bringing a new attraction that is so new and so different than what people are used to that we don't feel descriptions are appropriate enough at this point to disclose," Ned Vickers, co-owner of Adventure Quest, said.

"At Adventure Quest, we aim to provide experiences that appeal to the whole family," Ogle said. "We believe that today's consumer wants to be actively involved in the entertainment experience, and the next-generation attractions at Adventure Quest will offer a level of interactivity that is unsurpassed in the amusement industry."

"We are excited to be bringing new and unique entertainment options to Sevier County," Brad Smith, one of four owners of Adventure Quest, said.

Vickers said some of the attractions will be similar to those that are available in the area now, but Adventure Quest will put such a spin on them that they'll be different from anything seen before in this market. Vickers said renovations should be finished within the next three weeks. Upon completion of those renovations, Vickers said the company will the apply to the city for building permits to complete the project.Vickers says all permits needed so far have been acquired. The building plan has not yet been submitted, according to Joe Dunn, building inspector for the city of Pigeon Forge.

Construction is currently under way on the structure and facade. The building is being designed to resemble a four-story, medieval castle.

"After the structural modifications have been completed, Adventure Quest will begin installing the attractions," Vickers said.

Adventure Quest will offer six interactive experiences, Vickers said.

The Adventure Quest Entertainment Group is co-owned by Bob Talbot, Vickers, Smith and Ogle. The project is being financed by Citizens National Bank.

Information courtesy of The Mountain Press