Aquarium, LEGOLAND Coming To American Dream Center

By DANIEL HUBBARD (Patch Staff)

An aquarium with an underwater tunnel and a LEGOLAND discovery center are the two newest tenants of the American Dream mega mall, the project’s developer announced Thursday.

The first Sea Life aquarium in New Jersey will feature a variety of marine life, including seahorses, sharks, and rays, and a tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel.

LEGOLAND is designed specifically for children ages 3 to 10. It will feature a 4-D cinema, Lego brick pool, and rides. Kids can also take Lego building classes.

“LEGOLAND and Sea Life are iconic national and international brands which perfectly fit with our vision of creating a retail and entertainment destination, which appeals to both tourists and local residents,” said Don Ghermezian, president of Triple Five, Amercian Dream’s developer. “They deliver a high quality, interactive visitor experience that is both educational and fun. It simply cannot be duplicated.”

Triple Five announced last month that 10 retailers, including Banana Republic, Gap, MAC, Microsoft, Zara, Pink, and Victoria’s Secret who have committed to opening up shop at the long-delayed mall and entertainment complex in East Rutherford.

Luxury retailers Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Hermès will also open stores at the East Rutherford complex.

American Dream is slated to open in the summer of 2017, more than a decade after construction began on the project. Triple Five took over developing the project in 2011.

(Photo courtesy of Triple Five)