America's Largest Shopping Mall One Step Closer

MIAMI, FL — Famous for its turquoise waters, sizzling nightlife and urban beaches, Miami may soon have a new claim to lure the world's jet set to South Florida — home to North America's largest shopping mall. Meet the American Dream Miami, which is expected to be larger than Minnesota's Mall of America when completed. The $4 billion retail and entertainment complex in the Miami suburbs won government approval Thursday after years of debate.

The Miami-Dade County Commission voted 9-1 to approve American Dream Miami, which would be built on 175 acres of now vacant land.

“We’re not building a mall. We’re not in the mall business,” insisted Don Ghermezian, president of Canada-based developer Triple Five. “This is a park that is meant to compete with the best parks in America.”

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More than a mall, its developers say, it will feature theme-park attractions, including an indoor ski slope, submarine ride, water park, skating rink, retail shops, restaurants and 2,000 hotel rooms.

American Dream Miami would be about 1.2 million square feet larger than Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, a similar entertainment and retail center that was also developed by Triple Five and is now the largest on the continent.

Language also was added Thursday to ensure no taxpayer dollars will be spent on the Miami project.
Supporters say developers will follow environmental rules meant to protect the Everglades, and pay for measures to address traffic concerns.

Triple Five estimates it would draw some 30 million visitors a year and as many as 70,000 separate vehicle trips every day. Neighboring Broward County has threatened to sue if developers don’t address gridlock — and tens of millions of dollars have been pledged by Triple Five to widen roads, pay for additional buses and so forth.

“We’re talking about a tremendous increased volume of traffic,” countered Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, who cast the lone no vote.

Developers say the project — which still needs to obtain 32 local, state and federal permits — will create at least 14,000 permanent jobs, as well as thousands more during construction. Supporters pointed to that and many other envisioned economic benefits, and urged yes votes to help Miami compete against Orlando’s tourist mecca.

“It is the most significant project that has been done in Miami-Dade County,” said Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, whose district includes the complex. “It’s a good day for us.”

Planned for the intersection of Interstate 75, Florida’s Turnpike Extension and Miami Gardens Drive, the behemoth retail space is expected to exceed 5 million square feet of "dynamic retail, entertainment and dining experiences much like our renowned projects Mall of America, West Edmonton Mall, and American Dream NJ/NY," according to Triple Five, which said that 100 million cars will pass by each year.

The upscale mall would also feature a live performing arts center, Art Deco village, Tivoli Gardens and aquarium.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

The Miami shopping mall would be even larger than Minnesota's Mall of America. Seen here is Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America. Photo by Cory Ryan/Getty Images for Nickelodeon.