American Dream will be world’s largest retail/entertainment complex
East Rutherford, N.J. -- Triple Five on Monday gave more information on its plans to transform the controversial and long-delayed Xanadu project in New Jersey’s Meadowlands Sports Complex, in East Rutherford, into what it promises will be “the world's largest and premier tourism, entertainment and retail destination, eventually reaching 7.5 million sq. ft.”
The project, scheduled to open in late 2013, has been renamed the American Dream at Meadowlands. "We selected the name American Dream because it connotes opportunity," said Nader Ghermezian, chairman, Triple Five. "It represents opportunity for new jobs, to drive tourism, to generate tax revenue and to offer people of all ages from around the world a unique place with unparalleled retail, entertainment and attraction options every day of the year."
Triple Five has 35 years experience in the development and management of large entertainment and retail projects, including Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn., and West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada.
American Dream will provide 3 million sq. ft. of retail and amusement offerings and 4.5 million sq. ft. in hotels and entertainment venues. Unique attractions will include:
- 700--sq.-ft. indoor ski hill – the first in North America – open year-round;
- Climate controlled, glass-domed, indoor water park, open year-round;
- Climate controlled, glass-domed, indoor amusement park, open year-round;
- 200-ft/ diameter, enclosed-capsule, outdoor observation wheel overlooking New York City;
- Indoor skydiving; and
- Bourbon Street – consisting of nightlife, fine dining establishments and international cuisines.
Other attractions will include a children's museum, live-music and performing-arts theater, seating 2,400 to 3,000 people, dinner theaters, miniature golf and an indoor skating rink.
When the project is completed, it will rank the world’s largest shopping center, with 7.5 million sq. ft. in all.