Not Even Open Yet, American Dream Wins International Award

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — It hasn't even opened yet, and already American Dream Meadowlands has won an award for its innovative approach to shopping and entertainment.

The $5 billion retail and entertainment complex won the Best Futura Shopping Center Award from MAPIC, an international retail real estate and show held in France every November.

Don Ghermezian, president and CEO of American Dream, said he was "honored" and "exhilarated" to have been chosen for the award.

The award honors shopping destinations being built based on their originality and impact on the local community, two things American Dream will have in abundance when it opens in the spring. (See related: American Dream Meadowlands 'On Target' For March 2019 Opening)

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.

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.

Related:

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

An artists' rendering of what American Dream Meadowlands will look like when it is completed. (Courtesy of Triple Five)