Meadowlands Xanadu: New Jersey's New Mega-Mall Now American Dream Mall
Posted on March 9, 2009
Meadowlands Xanadu is a giant entertainment and shopping destination under construction in New Jersey. The 4.8 million-square-foot entertainment destination will offer interactive entertainment venues, fine dining, outdoor amusements, a 286-ft. Ferris wheel, runway fashion shows and America's first Snow Dome for indoor skiing. Meadowlands Xanadu will also offer a luxury hotel and office buildings. The website and Wikipedia entry describe more of Xanadu's future offerings.
The construction on Xanadu began when the economy was still booming. Things are a lot different with today's economy. Meadowlands Xanadu is expected to open for business this summer - if the opening isn't delayed again. Many existing malls are having trouble leasing space because of all the bankruptcy filings.
This could make 2009 a rough start for a new mall - especially a really big one like Xanadu - but Time says, "If Xanadu can corral enough retailers to sign on for a grand opening, it has the potential to at least survive the downturn."
Update: The mall project is now called American Dream. It is expected to open in late 2015 or early 2016. The mall is owned by the Triple Five Group.
Update: The American Dream Mall is now open and it is part mall and part theme park. Attractions include ice skating, a snow park, mini golf, rides and more. Take a look: