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16 Years Later, American Dream Mall Teases Opening Date

Three developers and $5 billion later, American Dream Mall is prepping to open its doors.

The massive 3.1 million square foot shopping and entertainment complex in East Rutherford is finally nearing completion. In an interview with Commercial Observer, Dimitri Lalagos, the senior vice president for leasing at American Dream claims the project will open this April.

First conceived as Xanadu in 2003, the project stalled during the financial crisis after financing dried up following the Lehman Brothers collapse. Now, 16 years and three developers later, the long-time eyesore along the New Jersey Turnpike is hoping to turn its fate around.

It is facing some headwinds, though, as a lot has changed since the project was first conceptualized. In an era of failing malls and declining brick and mortar retail, whether or not such an ambitious project can succeed is yet to be seen.

It will certainly be interesting to watch how it does. With entertainment partners that include a “Dreamworks-branded indoor waterpark, a Cirque du Soleil venue and a National Hockey League-sized ice rink”. A Munchies food hall by Vice Media is also planned.

Fulop believes the April opening date is just another stunt.

“We’ve been told this story a gazillion times, I gloss over these dates on when they’re projected to open,” Fulop told Commercial Observer.

April or not, work continues on the project which means we’re getting closer to an actual opening.

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Jersey Digs