This massive New Jersey retail development finally has an opening date

After shuffling through developers and dealing with years of delays, American Dream is almost a reality.

Triple Five Group has announced that its retail and entertainment project in the Meadowlands will open on Friday, October 25 — about 15 years after its first developer broke ground on the massive complex. NJ.com and other local outlets reported Wednesday on the new timeline.

Once known as Xanadu, Triple Five took over the development in 2011. The Edmonton-based conglomerate, founded by the Ghermezian family, said earlier this year that the 3 million-square-foot American Dream would not open on time, as planned, in May.

But in June, Triple Five unveiled a unique partnership with the Coca-Cola Company that made the soft drink giant the official sponsor of the mega-mall. While financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Coke products will be integrated into the art, dining, entertainment, fashion and music offerings at American Dream.

“American Dream brings its guests an unrivaled destination… It’s unique mix of entertainment (55%) and experiential retail (45%) will welcome and entertain guests, embracing everyone in a new retail and entertainment revolution, where everything is possible,” said a statement from Triple Five’s chief creative officer Ken Downing, hired by the company from Neiman Marcus in March.

The massive shopping center, which will include a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, DreamWorks water park, an Angry Birds-themed miniature golf course, ice hockey and skating rink and an indoor ski and snowboard slope, is located at the Route 3 and New Jersey Turnpike interchange in East Rutherford. [NJ.com] — Brian Baxter