Not Even Open Yet, American Dream Wins Another Big Award

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — American Dream Meadowlands has racked up another award months before it scheduled opening.

The $5 billion retail and entertainment complex won the Developer of the Year Award at the Global RLI Awards hosted by Retail and Leisure International.

Don Ghermezian, president and CEO of American Dream, called the win a "monumental achievement."

"Not only does it prove the uniqueness of our vision, but it puts American Dream on the world stage amongst the industry elite," Ghermezian said. "We are honored to receive such esteemed recognition in advance of four opening later this year."

It is the second international award bestowed to American Dream Meadowlands. MAPIC, an international retail real estate and show, gave American Dream the Best Futura Shopping Center Award in November.

American Dream will have North America's largest indoor water park, the biggest indoor ski park in the western hemisphere, and the first Sea Life Aquarium in New Jersey, among other attractions. (See related: Take A Virtual Tour Of American Dream's Water Park [Videos])

American Dream Meadowlands will provide unique services like a concierge staff fluent in several languages and a luxury hotel, among others.

Visitors can get information in their native language at digital kiosks and from a team fluent in Mandarin Chinese, French, Russian, Arabic, and other languages.

Augmented reality displays will be available throughout the complex. Smart bracelets will allow parents to shop and stay connected to their children throughout the campus.

"Our approach to entertainment, dining, and retail will create a truly unique customer experience," said Ghermezian.

In terms of local impact, American Dream Meadowlands is expected to generate $1.2 billion in income and provide 16,000 jobs when it opens.

There will be something for everyone to do at American Dream.

Adults can have some fun at For The Win, a huge adult-orientated arcade, while the kids visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center with its 4-D cinema, LEGO brick pool, rides, and classes.

Kids can also get some work done at KidZania, a miniature city run by kids 4 to 14 years old. It will have its own currency and companies like Honda, Sony, Kellogg's, Coca-Cola and others have sponsored businesses and landmarks in the attraction.

KidZania, a miniature city run by kids 4 to 14 years old will also be there. It will have its own currency and companies like Honda, Sony, Kellogg's, Coca-Cola and others have sponsored businesses and landmarks in the attraction.

Moviegoers will be able to smell scents in the films they watch in Cinemex's 1,400-seat, dine-in movie theater with X4D technology. A hotel is in the planning stages and could open a year after American Dream.

Food will play a big role at American Dream.

In an interview with Women's Wear Daily Ghermezian, described the food options as "fun and engaging" and will further add to the entertainment experience. Ghermezian said the food options, including a Kosher fall court, the world's first, and MUNCHIES food hall, will feature cuisines from around the world. There will be a huge food court and 15 sit down restaurants.

Half of the 30 to 40 million people slated to visit American Dream Meadowlands are expected to be tourists in an effort to get those people to spend more of their money here, rather than in New York City.

American Dream was originally slated to open in 2017. Developer Triple Five pushed back the completion date because it had difficulty securing the $1.1 billion in financing. It worked with Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan to secure $1.6 billion in construction financing. Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan also sold $1.1 billion in tax-exempt bonds for the project.

The 93-acre campus is expected to generate $1.2 billion in income and 16,000 jobs in its first year of operation. (See related: American Dream Meadowlands To Generate $1.2B In Income, 16K Jobs)

American Dream will have North America's largest indoor water park, the biggest indoor ski park in the western hemisphere, and the first Sea Life Aquarium in New Jersey, among other attractions. (See related: Take A Virtual Tour Of American Dream's Water Park [Videos])

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com