For nearly a generation, American Dream Meadowlands has been in the works off of Route 3 and the New Jersey Turnpike in East Rutherford. The massive mall and entertainment venue, previously known as Xanadu Meadowlands, has had countless projected opening dates, with the Triple Five Group first suggesting over the last year that the facility would open in the spring, followed by an announcement that a summer opening was planned. Now, new information has been released by the developers about the plans for the complex, including a new time when construction could be completed.
In a prepared statement issued last week, an American Dream spokesperson wrote that the mall is on track to open this fall. The announcement also revealed a partnership with Coca-Cola and Philadelphia-based Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages that will lead to multiple Coke-themed attractions and events at American Dream.
The amenities will include green rooms for special events, a restaurant with 800 seats called “Coca-Cola Eats” that will “offer a wide array of local and global cuisines served alongside the variety of beverage options from The Coca-Cola Company,” and a social media space and podcast studio known as “The Social Bubble.” A large Coca-Cola sign is also expected to be installed on the facade of the building.
Northern New Jersey already has no shortage of malls, ranging from the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus to Newport Centre in Jersey City. However, since the plans for American Dream’s predecessor were announced well over a decade ago, the complex has been touted as more of a Mall of America-like destination than a traditional shopping center.
The three-million-square-foot project is slated to include over 450 stores and restaurants, ranging from the Grisini Food Hall and a Dons Bogam restaurant to a Saks Fifth Avenue store. In addition, there are plans for a Legoland Discovery Center location, a DreamWorks Water Park, an aquarium, a Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, a large indoor ski center, and a performing arts center.
A specific date for the grand opening of American Dream has yet to be announced.
