Triple Five Worldwide, owners of the American Dream (formerly known as Xanadu) in the Meadowlands of East Rutherford, N.J., announced on Tuesday, September 13 that Nickelodeon Universe will join the project.
Triple Five currently owns two of the largest malls in the world, including the Mall of America (MOA) in Minnesota, which also houses its own Nickelodeon Universe.
Freshman Carly Choborda says, “Adding a Nickelodeon Universe would help the mall because it attracts more families to the area and the mall.”
Nickelodeon Universe is a seven-acre themed amusement park, located in MOA, which includes rollercoasters and thrill rides. It is also populated by Nickelodeon characters in its dining, retail, and arcades.
Triple Five President Don Ghermezian says, “Based on the success we have seen with Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America we are excited to bring the number one entertainment brand for kids to American Dream.”
Mills Corporation broke ground at the site in 2003. Triple Five bought the construction project in 2011, becoming its third owner.
During the past 13 years, finances and other problems hindered its advancement, preventing completion and slowing construction rate. The project is often criticized for being very expensive at $5.2 billion, and ridiculed by passersby for the way it looks.
The site is located adjacent to the current Met-life stadium, home to the New York Giants and the New York Jets. The teams tried to sue the developers for traffic problems caused by the construction on football game-days in June 2012.
Freshman Morgan Davies says, “I think the addition of Nickelodeon Universe will bring a lot of new recognition to the American Dream. It will easily stand with other large attractions in the sense of having a lot of business at the location.”
American Dream is expected to attract more than 40 million people a year and cover around 110 acres. In comparison, Freehold Raceway Mall attracts 11.8 million annually and covers around 38 acres.
Nickelodeon Universe will cover more than 300,000 square feet, or eight-and-a-half acres, when completed. It will be the largest indoor theme park in the western hemisphere.
Triple Five expects American Dream to complete construction in late 2018.