By Martin J. Greenberg and Matthew Carlson
I. Introduction
The “American Dream Meadowlands” located next to Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey began as Xanadu Meadowlands (Xanadu) in July of 2002.[1] The name Xanadu was possibly taken from a previous project undertaken by the Mills Corporation (Mills) known as Madrid Xanadu, a shopping complex that opened in Spain in 2003.[2] Xanadu was intended to be a multimillion dollar traditional mall coupled with a Ferris wheel and indoor ski hill which attempted to bring lifestyle, recreation, sports and family entertainment together in one location.[3] For the original developer, Mills, this was to set a new standard for what the American shopping mall could be. With a prime location next to Met Life Stadium and in close proximity to New York City, Xanadu was going to be a premiere shopping location for tourists and sports fans alike. Ground for the project was broken on September 29, 2004; however, the original plan for Xanadu fell apart as financial problems and lawsuits plagued the mega mall, which delayed the project for over a decade, and became a source of contention and confusion for those in the tri state area.[4] Then New Jersey Governor Chris Christie called the structure, “the ugliest damn building in New Jersey, maybe America,”[5] and “an offense to the eyes as you drive up the turnpike.”[6] The project has since been undertaken by several other developers, including Triple Five and continued to face difficulty.[7]
Photo of the American Dream Meadowlands in 2011[8]
II. History of the Meadowlands 
In 1971 the State of New Jersey created the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), an independent agency to oversee the development of the Meadowlands Sports Complex and other developments in the Meadowlands.[9] The NJSEA is made up of a 16 member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Governor to four-year terms.[10] The NJSEA issued a request for proposal in June of 2002 to redevelop the “162 acres of the 700 acre Meadowlands Sports Complex” (“104 acres that surround the former Continental Arena and 62 acres on which the arena and its parking lot sit – into a multi-use complex with dining, entertainment, retail, hotel, office, exposition, recreation, parking and transportation.”).[11]
The request for proposal highlighted the NJSEA’s vision of an entertainment and shopping district to complement the existing Meadowlands Racetrack and the Giant’s Stadium.[12] The request promised improved public access to the site through improvements to existing infrastructure and providing mass transit to the site.[13] The request for proposal contained the objectives of the NJSEA for the Meadowlands project, including: (1) enhance the world-class status of the existing sports complex by creating a multi-use destination with a cohesive theme that capitalizes on existing uses at the existing sports complex; (2) create a greater sense of place and improve the aesthetics at the sports complex; (3) expanding and improving the product mix; (4) improve public access to and from the Meadowlands Sports Complex; (5) protect and enhance the unique ecosystem of the Meadowlands; (6) achieve greater integration of the Arena site and venues within the region and the surrounding communities; and (7) to create new economic activity.[14] Each of the objectives outlined in the request focused on the integration of the new project with the existing sports complex to create a sports community that could provide a greater benefit to the community than the sports complex itself.[15] The NJSEA issued a request for proposal in June of 2002 and in February of 2003, the Board selected a joint venture between the Mills and Mack-Cali Realty Corporation (Mack-Cali).[16] The three finalists were Mills, Hartz Mountain Industries and Westfield Group – “before handing the project to Mills Corp. for its $1.2 billion Xanadu proposal.”[17] Triple Five’s Meadowfest proposal “failed to make it into the top three proposals selected in the fall of 2002 by the NJSEA.”[18] “An agreement was signed in Dec[ember of] 2003 for Mills Corp. and Mack-Cali Realty Corp. to pay $160 million in development rights fee to the NJSEA when the permits and approvals were in place.”[19]
III. Mills and Other Corporate Developers
Mills was a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Arlington, Virginia that built “Landmark” centers like Gurnee Mills and Ontario Mills.[20] Mills started as the Western Development Corporation in 1967, and the first mall it built was Potomac Mills in the D.C. metro area in 1985.[21] From 1989-1991 it opened three new malls, Franklin, Gurnee, and Sawgrass Mills.[22] In 1994, the company converted to REIT status and changed names to “The Mills Corporation.”[23] In 2002 the company acquired six regular retail malls, and by 2004 the company had a nine-mall portfolio.[24] In 2002, Mills developed Madrid Xanadu, a massive shopping and entertainment center that included 222 shops and eateries, a 15-screen movie theatre, and the Madrid SnowZone, a massive covered track for guests to go skiing and snowboarding year round.[25]
Mills’ original concept for the American Dream Meadowlands was known as Xanadu Meadowlands.[26] Located in Bergen County, New Jersey, in one of the most travelled intersections in North America, the location for Xanadu was ideal.[27] The project is bounded by 3 major highways (I-95, Route 3, and Route 120) which service over 110 million vehicles annually.[28]In the immediate area, there are over 21 million local residents and over 62 million tourists that visit the area.[29] This is a project that had immense potential when proposed.
When the company started the project in September of 2004, it had successfully launched several other retail malls such as Gurnee Mills in Illinois and Ontario Mills near Los Angeles, opening one or two landmark malls each year starting in 1996.[30] Mills’ history of success and constant development of new projects made Mills look like a great company to partner with on large scale projects such as Xanadu.
Xanadu was planned as a 4.76 million square foot family entertainment, office, and hotel complex and began construction in 2004.[31] Mills Chairman and CFO Laurence C. Siegel said that Xanadu offered lifestyle, sports and family entertainment together in one location.[32] Mack Cali invested $32.5 million into the project and expected the project to be completed within two years.[33]
Ground was broken on the project on September 29, 2004, but stopped due to the impending bankruptcy of Mills.[34] During the two years of development under Mills, the project ran into problems ranging from lawsuits, environmental issues during the construction of the parking garage, to financial trouble within the company.[35] Lawsuits were commenced by “Hartz Mountain, the borough of Carlstadt, the Sierra Club of New Jersey and the New Jersey Builders Association.”[36] Mills was facing bankruptcy by 2006 with a looming $1.1 billion loan repayment and a number of issues with the company’s accounting.[37] Mills was acquired in April of 2007 by Simon Property Group and Farallon Capital Management.[38]
Mills’ failure stemmed from misconduct by former accounting and asset management personnel some of which resulted in accounting errors.[39] Mills cited the company’s overall culture and tone at the top for their downfall, and in a regulatory filing stated that it had identified a number of instances where personnel failed to understand the implications under GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) of particular transactions, events, or facts.[40] Even though Mills rapidly grew and was starting new projects year after year, the complexity of the corporation’s financial structure exacerbated the number of errors in the company’s accounting.[41] Mills also acknowledged that there was a failure of communication and lack of adequate internal controls within the corporation.[42] One of the major accounting errors cited was a failure to properly account for certain aspects of the Xanadu project.[43]
During Mills’ tenure as developer, the project hadn’t made the progress the company would have liked. The site had electrical, sewer, and other utilities installed to facilitate the groundbreaking and to begin infrastructure for the massive project in 2004.[44] By 2005, heavy construction had started and work on the main parking areas commenced.[45] In 2006, when the project ground to a halt, about half of the project had been built.[46] Financing for the multibillion dollar project came in the form of credit from various lenders and over $100 million of Mills own funds.[47] By the time Colony Capital, LLC (Colony Capital) took control, Mills had a $458 million stake in Xanadu, and the company was seemingly betting it all on Xanadu, even selling some of its stock in its other properties.[48]
In November of 2006, Colony Capital took over Xanadu and pushed the projected opening to 2008.[49] Colony Capital entered into the venture after Mills agreed to be a limited partner in the project with a partner capital account of roughly $485 million, and project funding of $90 million funded under an existing term loan.[50] Colony Capital was to provide up to $500 million in equity financing.[51] Additionally, Colony Capital would arrange for construction loan financing to cover the remaining balance of the $2 billion in total project costs.[52] September 5, 2007 marked the time that “the New York Jets and Giants broke ground … on a new $1.3 billion [football] stadium,” in which their leasehold interests “gave them veto power over expansion at the Meadowlands.”[53]
Colony Capital was a REIT specializing in private equity and venture capital.[54] Colony Capital, now known as Colony Northstar, manages $57 billion in assets and employs over 500 people.[55] Colony Capital’s current focus is “generating attractive risk adjusted returns and creating long-term value for shareholders and investors.”[56] In the past however, Colony Capital focused more on recapitalization with a special purpose subsidiary of Colony, Colony Capital Acquisitions, LLC, which made Xanadu a prime project for the company to invest in.[57] By May of 2009, construction on Xanadu was about 80% complete with 88% of the common areas finished.[58] In 2008, Pepsi agreed to pay $100 million dollars for a ten year sponsorship of a London-eye style Ferris wheel that was to tower approximately 287 feet “[w]ith 26 glass enclosed, climate controlled gondolas.”[59] The Ferris wheel ride “could take up to 20 people on a 25-minute journey with views of New York City.”[60] The Pepsi Globe, as the wheel will be known, remains on the plans, however the future for the ride seems inconclusive.[61]
In 2008, Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., a global financial services firm, went bankrupt due to a mass exodus of clients, losses in its stock, and devaluation of assets due to Lehman Brothers’ involvement in the sub-prime mortgage crisis.[62] When the Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy was announced, the company had bank debt of $613 billion, $155 billion in bond debt and assets only worth $639 billion.[63]. Not long afterwards, construction once again ground to a halt “after an affiliate of Lehman Brothers called Xanadu Mezz Holdings LLC failed to fund its share of the construction financing.”[64] The missed payments ultimately led to Colony Capital’s lenders foreclosing on the project and getting out.[65]. After the investors withdrew, the project lacked the necessary funding needed to complete Xanadu, which was approximately $500 million. [66]
With Colony Capital out of the picture, the project looked dead in the water with no readily available investors or easily obtainable capital to fund the project during the recession. In 2010, Stephen Ross (Ross), the owner of The Related Companies in Manhattan, showed great interest in the project and was in talks with the NJSEA.[67] It was at this point the project was renamed “The Meadowlands” and the name “Xanadu” was dropped completely.[68] Ross stated that he could finish the project by the end of 2010 with a new name and look.[69] Ross and his plans were short lived and by the end of 2010, the Triple Five Group (Triple Five) signed a letter of intent to invest in completing the project, acquired the project from the group of lenders that owned the debt, and proposed that the idea be expanded to include indoor amusement and water parks creating a playground for visitors.[70] Triple Five secured a $700 million loan from Deutsche Bank to finish the project after years of failed proposals and plans.[71]
What follows is a graph by year indicating the proposed uses of the project that just never seemed to get built:
IV. Triple Five
Triple Five is the development and finance behemoth behind the Mall of America in Minnesota and the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada.[72] The company was founded by Jacob Ghermezian, an Iranian rug dealer and is owned, operated, and closely held by the Ghermezian family.[73] The Ghermezian family began in Central Asia in the early 20th century where Jacob Ghermzian operated a large bazaar in the Uzbek city of Smarkand.[74] During the Russian Revolution, private property was abolished and Jacob moved to Tehran where he built a real estate fortune.[75] In the 1950s, Jacob, his wife and four sons moved to North America and started a new company.[76] Founded in 1965 as Germez Developments, the company started as a Persian rug trading business owned by Jacob Ghermezian and his four sons.[77] Between the 1950’s and 1970’s, the company changed its business focus to real estate development.[78] The company established themselves by purchasing undeveloped land and selling it to builders.[79] The company was re-named Triple Five in 1972. The triple stood for three generations of the Ghermezian family and the five for Jacob and his four sons.[80] The family worked in adjoining offices with shared phone lines.[81] Now approximately 120 members of the family are involved in the company.[82] Currently, the Ghermezian family members leading the company are Jacob Ghermezian, founder, Nader Ghermezian, chairman of Triple Five Group, Don Ghermezian, CEO of Triple Five Group, and Mark Ghermezian, founder and Executive Chairman of Appboy, a newer venture.[83]
V. West Edmonton Mall – Mall of America
The West Edmonton Mall was Triple Five’s first major mall which opened Phase One in July of 1981, Phase Two in September of 1983, and Phase Three in September of 1985.[84] The West Edmonton Mall expansions included the world’s largest indoor waterpark, an ice rink, rollercoaster, a faux Bourbon Street, and a lagoon with a pirate ship.[85] Anything that the Ghermezians saw, they tried at their mall, and they were aggressive and ran the mall at a pace faster than those around them.[86] Constantly looking to expand, when the Ghermezians wanted something from the city or vendors they bargained aggressively and incessantly, according to Adam Finn, a professor emeritus at University of Alberta School of Business.[87] The West Edmonton Mall is widely successful and is still in operation today.
Currently the West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in North America and tenth largest mall in the world.[88] It covers a gross area of 5.3 million square feet with over 800 stores and services in the complex, has parking for more than 20,000 vehicles and employs over 24,000 people.[89] The mall receives roughly 32 million visitors a year and has 90,000 to 200,000 shoppers every day.[90] Over nineteen attractions can be found within the West Edmonton Mall including: nightclubs, an amusement park, a waterpark, an aquarium, an ice rink, an 18-hole miniature golf course, movie theatres, a bowling alley, an indoor shooting range, a 24 hour gym, a hotel, dinner theatre, numerous sculptures, and a skate park.[91] Former attractions have included a petting zoo, Deep Sea Adventure (where a guest could control their own submarine), and a paintball playing area.[92] This sprawling Mall also includes theme areas such as a “Bourbon Street”, featuring clubs and restaurants in a New Orleans influenced setting, and a Europa Boulevard designed to look like a European street.[93] There are 15 anchors in the West Edmonton Mall, including Bed Bath & Beyond and the Scotiabank Theatre.[94] The Mall also contains a major transit center for public transportation, the West Edmonton Mall Transit Centre, which makes the Mall even more accessible to the public.[95]
Triple Five has also had great success with the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, a widely known and popular attraction despite initial doubts about the success of the mall.[96] In the mid 1980’s, the West Edmonton Mall was bringing in almost 28 million visitors a year when the Ghermezians bid to build the Mall of America on a 78-acre site in Bloomington.[97] Triple Five asked for the same concessions in Minnesota as they did in Edmonton for infrastructure and taxes.[98] Initially there was not much enthusiasm for the mall in Minnesota, but after a trip to Edmonton for the entire state legislative assembly, Bloomington agreed to a $60 million aid package and other concession, as well as a deal to break ground in 1987.[99] The Mall of America opened in 1992 and now has more than 500 shops, an amusement park, Legoland, a performance venue, an aquarium, and a wedding chapel among other things.[100] The Mall of America also has attractions that include FlyOver America – a flight simulation theatre, the Crayola Experience, and minigolf.[101] Nickelodeon Universe theme park offers:
27 themed rides in total, appealing to cartoon-loving children of all ages while simultaneously containing legitimate thrills by way of inversions, airtime, and 90-degree drops. Though the oppressive height requirements will keep adults out of the glorious SpongeBob SquarePants-themed bounce house, both his upside-down Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster and Avatar Airbender can take guests up to the tippy-top of the mall’s roof and straight back down again. (For less aggressive spins and twirls, try Brain Surge and the Fairly Odd Coaster.)[102]
The Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium boasts a “300 foot-long ocean tunnel aquarium” and also offers “snorkeling, shark dives, and overnight sleepovers.”[103]
Currently the Mall of America boasts a gross area of over four million square feet and three anchor department stores.[104] In the lower level of the eastern part of the mall is the Mall of America Transit Station, the busiest transit hub in the Twin Cities.[105] Expansion of the Mall of America is ongoing with retail expansion and a luxury hotel planned, as well as a connection to the nearby Ikea.[106] The Mall of America is the biggest mall in the country but Triple Five hopes to outdo themselves with the American Dream Meadowlands.[107]
VI. Financing the Meadowlands American Dream
Financing for the Meadowlands project has been an issue for developers in the past but, the Ghermezians and their aggressive negotiation tactics seem to have paid off. When taking the project in 2010 and receiving multiple subsidies from the State of New Jersey, Triple Five was hesitant to put any more money into the project until it could find outside funding.[108] Triple Five used their negotiation skill to obtain PILOT payments (payments in lieu of taxes) and revenue bond financing for retail development.[109] In 2011, the State of New Jersey and Triple Five agreed on a complicated financing arrangement including tax breaks and tax exempt mutual bonds backed by the revenue from the future mall.[110] Further, in November of 2011 Triple Five unveiled a complex financing plan to raise an estimated $2 billion to complete the project, half came from private investors, $800 million from a bond offering, and $200 million in equity from Triple Five rounded out the remaining funding.[111]
With a new financing deal, the American Dream Meadowlands had a new projected opening date of Fall of 2013.[112] However, the new date was not met due to other financing problems, permitting issues, and a lawsuit brought forth by the New York Giants and New York Jets.[113] The lawsuit filed by the New York Giants and Jets organizations involved access and ability to successfully hold games at nearby MetLife Stadium.[114]
The lawsuit brought claims for injunctive and declaratory relief alleging that in a cooperation agreement between the teams and the NJSEA, a provision required the “Stadium Entities” to give prior written consent to modifications to the Meadowlands development that could potentially hurt the teams.[115] The teams then alleged that the increased traffic congestion and lack of parking would have detrimental effects on patrons of MetLife Stadium, and have a general adverse effect on the teams.[116] The teams also alleged tortious interference with the cooperation agreement stating that because the NJSEA never notified them of changes to the plan, they were in breach of the agreement and that these changes would cause irreparable harm and injury to the teams by virtue of infringement upon the Stadium Project Development Rights Agreement the teams entered into with the NJSEA.[117] In response Triple Five countersued, claiming “the development would ease game day traffic because it would give attendees a place to go after the game rather than everyone exiting onto the highway.”[118] Ultimately the lawsuit was settled in March of 2014, but the damage was done, Triple Five was delayed, its funding lost, and was in need of new funding.[119]
In June of 2015, the New Jersey Local Finance Board approved a tax sharing plan between East Rutherford, Triple Five, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.[120] This plan authorized a $390 million potential tax break and set the stage for a nearly $1 billion government bond sale to raise money to complete the project.[121] The bond issuance is a complicated plan with tax exempt bonds backed by millions in tax and redevelopment incentives; however, there has been no issuance.[122] While attempting to secure public financing, Triple Five relied on the fact that its expectations of 23,000 construction jobs and $50 million in tax revenue during construction would be enticing enough to get the developer what it wanted.[123] Triple Five further relied upon speculation that if American Dream was able to open then the mall would provide an economic benefit of $730 million spread out over two decades for New Jersey alone.[124]
Ultimately, Triple Five’s estimates were different than the State of New Jersey’s. The State’s job creation calculations were less optimistic, placing the number of jobs at 11,000 not 23,000 as Triple Five had estimated.[125] The Development Authority was worried that the tax breaks Triple Five would be getting outweigh the potential benefit, but still allowed the project to move forward.[126]
In 2015 East Rutherford agreed to issue $675 million in bonds and the NJSEA agreed to a $350 million bond issuance.[127] With financing falling through left and right for the project, Triple Five found a potential solution in an unlikely place, Wisconsin. In April of 2016 Triple Five considered a bond offering through the Public Finance Authority of Wisconsin, rather than through East Rutherford, for $1 billion.[128] Triple Five saw an upswing in financing for 2017 broken down in the graph and discussed below.
Breakdown of 2017 Financing[129]:
Finally, there was a major development for the financing of the project. In May of 2017, Triple Five announced that it had secured a total of $1.6 billion in private financing to help complete the project.[130] On top of this, a complex $2.8 billion closing on construction financing for American Dream Meadowlands was finalized in June of 2017 that included a combination of private funds and a $1.1 billion tax exempt bond sale.[131] Triple Five was able to secure $1.1 billion in tax exempt bonds sold (approximately $800 million in municipal bonds were sold “backed by payments in lieu of property taxes and about $270 million in sales-tax backed debt.”)[132] through Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, and $1.67 of construction financing.[133] Triple Five has now announced a March of 2019 opening date nearly 17 years after the project was first announced.[134]
Timeline of Financing of the Meadowlands Project Through 2017[135]:
In 2018, “[c]onstruction is progressing at $3 million per day with about 1,500 workers on site and work is about 60 percent complete. Work is expected to ramp up in mid-to-late fall when the tenant spaces are turned over to the leaseholders.”[136] “The development is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019 – except for the waterpark, which will open in the fall of 2019, according to [Triple Five].”[137] “Triple Five expects 16,000 to 17,000 people to be employed at American Dream, and estimates that the development will generate $148 million a year in taxes for New Jersey.”[138] A later phase of the American Dream project is expected to include the construction of a hotel on-site which Triple Five believes will assist hospitality businesses in the surrounding areas.[139]
VI. Current Challenges – The Mall Crisis – Online Shopping
Although there is light at the end of the tunnel for Triple Five and the Meadowlands project, malls in the US seem to be a thing of the past. With online shopping taking up a growing part of the market, many Americans are forgoing shopping malls in favor of spending more time on activities rather than on shopping. When the Meadowlands Project started in 2004, E-commerce sales were under 5% of all retail sales.[140] Twelve years later, E-commerce is over 10% of all retail sales and is projected to be almost 38% by 2030.[141] With E-commerce taking a significant portion of the market, brick and mortar stores as well as shopping malls are feeling pressure. The chart below shows the predictions for E-commerce through 2030:
Source: Credit Suisse, U.S. Census Bureau
With the advent of online shopping and Amazon delivering packages with free 2-day shipping, traditional shopping malls are facing a harsh truth, people don’t want to go to a mall and spend hours shopping. People want to go to the store, buy what they need, and then spend their time on a hobby or doing an activity. Currently thousands of mall-based stores are shutting down and more than 3,500 stores were expected to close over the course of 2017.[142] In their hay day, malls were everywhere and were not only a place to shop but a meeting place thought to be replacing “main street.”[143] Between 2010 and 2013 visits to malls decreased by 50% likely driven by E-commerce as people spending more on restaurants, travel, and technology.[144] An even more worrying fact for Triple Five and the Meadowlands project is that about a quarter of the approximately 100 malls in the US today are at risk for closing in the next five years.[145] As this shift happens more stores are faced with closing up brick and mortar stores and moving to E-commerce or closing shop altogether.
In May of 2016, “[E-]commerce sales in the first quarter jumped 15% from a year ago to $86.3 billion, not seasonally adjusted, or $92.8 billion seasonally adjusted, the Census Bureau reported.” Statistics show that total retail sales increased by 3.3% per year with a third of that growth attributed to inflation as measured by CPI, and another third was the impact of E-commerce.[146]
If E-commerce continues at the pace of 15% growth each year that equates to a doubling of business to $700 billion.[147] Brick and mortar stores are not able to keep that kind of pace. In the first quarter of 2016 large department store shares fell, including “Dillard’s (-52%), Kohl’s (-47%), Macy’s (-59%), Nordstrom (-53%), J.C. Penney (39%), [and] Sears (-72%).”[148] Also the first quarter of 2016 saw many store closings. “Walmart closed 125 of its Neighborhood and Express stores. Macy’s closed 40 of its full-line department stores. American Eagle, JoS A. Banks, Kohl’s, Sears, the now-bankrupt Aeropostale… they shuttered hundreds of stores in Q1.[149] Overall retail traffic dropped in the US and Canada and the per square foot sales in North American department stores “declined from $200 per square foot in 2006 to $165 per square foot in 2015.”[150] As a result, the rental rates also fell flat in the first quarter of 2016.[151] “Bloomberg estimated that the overall retail vacancy rate declined to 10% at the end of 2015, after having peaked at 11.1% in Q3 2011 as a result of the Great Recession.”[152]
As of April of 2017, nine bankruptcies had been filed for retail stores, including: J.C. Penney, RadioShack, Macy’s, and Sears.[153]
Sports Authority has liquidated, and Payless has filed for bankruptcy. [. . .] several apparel companies’ stocks hit new multi-year lows, including Lululemon, Urban Outfitters, and American Eagle, and Ralph Lauren announced that it [was] closing its flagship Polo store on Fifth Avenue, one of several brands to abandon that iconic thoroughfare.[154]
The reality that retail trends, including E-commerce, “conspire to change the face of American shopping.”[155] Derek Thompson, a senior editor at The Atlantic, cites three main reasons for the downturn:
- People are simply buying more stuff online than they used to.
The simplest explanation for the demise of brick-and-mortar shops is that Amazon is eating retail. Between 2010 and last year, Amazon’s sales in North America quintupled from $16 billion to $80 billion. Sears’ revenue last year was about $22 billion, so you could say Amazon has grown by three Sears in six years. Even more remarkable, according to several reports, half of all U.S. households are now Amazon Prime subscribers. - America built way too many malls.
The number of malls in the U.S. grew more than twice as fast as the population between 1970 and 2015, according to Cowen and Company’s research analysts. By one measure of consumerist plentitude—shopping center “gross leasable area”—the U.S. has 40 percent more shopping space per capita than Canada, five times more than the U.K., and 10 times more than Germany. So it’s no surprise that the Great Recession provided such a devastating blow: Mall visits declined 50 percent between 2010 and 2013, according to the real-estate research firm Cushman and Wakefield, and they’ve kept falling every year since. - Americans are shifting their spending from materialism to meals out with friends.
[C]lothing stores have declined as consumers shifted their spending away from clothes toward traveling and dining out. Before the Great Recession, people bought a lot of stuff, like homes, furniture, cars, and clothes, as retail grew dramatically in the 1990s. Domestic airlines have flown more passengers each year since 2010, and [in 2016] U.S. airlines set a record, with 823 million passengers. Since 2005, sales at “food services and drinking places” have grown twice as fast as all other retail spending. In 2016, for the first time ever, Americans spent more money in restaurants and bars than at grocery stores.[156]
As of May of 2017 retail stores that announced closures and/or bankruptcies also included Payless Shoes, American Apparel, BCBG Max Azria, The Limited, Weat Seal, and HHGregg.[157] “The collapse of so many companies could have far-reaching consequences for retail-driven real estate owners and investors across the country, who, seeing the demise of their tenants, must backfill space or risk seeing their own bottom lines deteriorate.”[158] Beyond the struggle of the landlords of these retail tenants the chain include private equity that backs the retailors.[159]
“The private equity guys who do these deals declare a new bankruptcy every day,” said Howard Davidowitz, chairman of national retail consulting and investment banking firm Davidowitz & Associates. “It’s a moment of reckoning. Reality has arrived, and it’s going to be very, very bad for the guys in the brick-and-mortar business.”[160]
“In many cases, Class A mall owners have hustled to attract more interactive replacements for anchor tenants. These alternatives have helped them boost traffic and occupancy levels and better cater to the needs of younger and wealthier customers.”[161] Experts believe that for every Class A mall that is able to be resituated by a mega-REIT, there will be a Class C mall that fails.[162] Statistics show that the US is over-retailed in comparison with other first world countries, i.e. – 24 square feet of retail space per capita.[163]
Shopping Space per Person, by Country
Cowen and Company[164]
In 2017 Cowen and Company research analysts found several reasons for the “decay of malls following the Great Recession.”[165]
First, they said that stagnating wages and rising health-care costs squeezed consumer spending on fun stuff, like clothes. Second, the recession permanently hurt logo-driven brands, like Hollister and Abercrombie, that thrived during the 1990s and 2000s, when coolness in high-school hallways was defined by the size of the logo emblazoned on a polo shirt. Third, as consumers became bargain-hunters, discounters, fast-fashion outlets, and club stores took market share from department stores, like Macy’s and Sears. Finally, malls are retail bundles, and when bundles unravel, the collateral damage is massive.[166]
2018 does not seem much different in terms of trends facing brick and mortar stores. The Motley Fool believes that at least eleven stores will not survive the year, including Sears Holdings and Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, J.C. Penny, Barnes & Noble, Office Depot, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Vitamin World, Foot Locker, Payless ShoeSource, and Charlotte Russe.[167] As a result, U.S. mall owners are trying to sell off their fading properties so that they can focus on the more profitable malls.[168] “That’s proving difficult, […] [o]nly about $3 billion of retail real estate changed hands in April, a 27 percent drop from a year earlier and the lowest monthly tally since February 2013, according to the latest data from Real Capital Analytics Inc.”[169] “Prices for malls fell 14 percent in the past 12 months, even as values for other types of commercial properties, such as warehouses and office buildings, rose or held steady, according to Green Street Advisors LLC.”[170] Landlord are having a hard time finding buyers for properties.
“It’s a tough environment. I don’t think anybody really anticipated the decline of the department store to happen as quickly as it did,” said Joe Coradino, chief executive officer of Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, which owns 21 malls in the Mid-Atlantic region. “The sellers are clearly on their knees.”[171]
According to Haendel St. Juste, an analyst at Mizuho Securities USA LLC, “[l]andlords sitting on mediocre malls in hopes of getting a higher price at a later date may be missing their window […]. All indicators point to lower values in the future.”[172]
Because of the tough market, mall owners, “such as Simon Property Group Inc. and GGP Inc., are spending billions to update their centers, adding experiences that can’t be found online and reinventing the cavernous spaces left behind by failing department stores.”[173]
In September of 2018, The New York Times reported that Americans were shopping more, and that it “may be too early to declare the death of retail.[174] Target, Walmart and Nordstrom all reported “stronger-than-expected sales growth for the quarter.”[175] Store closings have also slowed. Whereas 5,700 retail stores had closed at this time in 2017, only about 4,480 have closed in 2018.[176] “Hiring is up, with an average of roughly 50,000 retail jobs being added each month since February.”[177] Melinda Cordero, CBRE’s head of retail research for the Americas, said that “[t]here has been a shakeout, and 2017 was seen as the bottom.”[178]
In October of 2018, Sears Holdings announced that it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection “in a last-ditch attempt to avoid entombment in the graveyard of once-great retailers that failed to adapt to the digital age.”[179] As part of the bankruptcy, Sears Holdings says it will close 142 stores by the end of 2018 in addition to the 46 store closures already announced.[180] Eddie Lampert, who has resigned as CEO but remain Chairman of Sears, believes that the bankruptcy will allow Sears to “strengthen its balance sheet, enabling the Company to accelerate its strategic transformation, continue right sizing its operating model, and return to profitability.”[181] On January 14, 2019 it was reported that ESL Investments (ESL), a hedge fund owned by Eddie Lampert (Lampert), Sears Chairman and largest shareholder, was the successful bidder at the Sears Bankruptcy auction for with a bid of $5.2 billion.[182] In a statement ESL announced that they “now look forward to concluding the bankruptcy process as soon as possible and doing the hard work of putting this iconic American retailer on a path to sustainable success.”[183]
In February of 2019, Payless announced that they will be closing all of its 2,100 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico.[184] These store closing will include the loss of approximately 16,000 jobs between March and May of 2019.[185] “Payless is the most recent retailer to file for what has become known as ‘Chapter 22,’ in which a company emerges from Chapter 11 only to file for bankruptcy a second time and shut down its business. RadioShack, American Apparel and Gymboree all suffered that fate.”[186]
A theory has been posited that part of the reason behind these closure in the retail world may be due to generational shift. “When baby boomers were in their high purchasing years, they wanted products that were: Mass, Commercial, Global, Generic, Prestigious, and Status” oriented.[187] However, “Millenial and Gen Z consumers want products that are: Locally-sources, Ethically made; Environmentally friendly, Artisanal, Authentic, and Experiential.”[188] At least one retailer has taken to reformatting their stores to better suit the needs of the newer generations. Target is closing large stores, and opening “smaller-format flex stores in urban areas and near college campuses.”[189] Other large retailers that are expected to follow suit include “Macy’s, Nordstrom, WalMart, Kohl’s, and Lord & Taylor.”[190]
Renée Sunde, President/CEO of the Washington Retail Association, told participants at a recent International Council of Shopping Centers national conference in Las Vegas that downsizing is the new trend among big box retailers, which allows them to ‘position themselves in hubs for commerce and community.’”[191]
Jacqueline DeBuse, a spokesperson for Target, believes downsizing allows for “a really flexible design and allow[s Target] to go to neighborhoods or urban areas where a traditional-sized Target wouldn’t fit, and allow[s them] to reach new guests.”[192] Reaching new clientele could be the key to helping these retailers survive.
A report released by Coresight Research in February of 2019 stated that there is “no light at the end of the tunnel” with respect to retail store closures.[193] Coresight Research cited the factors precipitating these closures include “online retail growth, flat and declining sales, and rising interest rates.”[194]
Retailers have already announced 2,187 new store closures since Jan. 1, including Gymboree, J.C. Penney, Charlotte Russe and Ann Taylor parent company Ascena Retail, according to Coresight Research. That’s up 23 percent from the number of announcements documented at the same time last year, the market research group said. And there’s “potentially many more on the way due to companies currently in the bankruptcy process and more on the horizon.”[195]
VII. The American Dream 2018
In line with this trend, the Ghermezian’s and Triple Five have a much bigger plan for the American Dream Meadowlands. The American Dream Meadowlands and its numerous storefronts want to be more than just a shopping mall, this project is meant to be a playground according to the Ghermezian family.[196] The Ghermezians understand that online shopping is killing malls, so they are turning the American Dream Meadowlands into an entertainment complex for all ages that will attract approximately 40 million people, half of them estimated to be tourists from New York City.[197] The Ghermezians’ new model advertised for the American Dream Meadowlands includes 45% retail space and 55% entertainment venues that are “accessible solely through the retail courts.”[198] Phase 1 will be approximately 3 million square feet making American Dream the “third largest center in North America.”[199]
In August of 2018 it was reported that “[t]he first phase of the American Dream entertainment and shopping extravaganza in the Meadowlands is on track to open next spring.”[200] New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said that American Dream is “‘going to be even bigger and better’ than the Mall of America.”[201] When the project opens it is expected to “support 16,200 jobs at the center and 7,000 jobs in surrounding towns, according to Triple Five,” and is expected to “generate $1.2 billion in wages.”[202] The project is projected to utilize 55% of the space for entertainment and 45% for retail.[203] The list of current retail shops will include: “Saks, Saks Off Fifth, Aritza, Banana Republic, Century 21, Gap, Hermes, Lululemon, MAC, Microsoft, Pink, Uniqlo, Victoria’s Secret and Zara,” to name a few.[204] It is estimated that the center will be comprised of approximately 4,800,000 square feet and have six anchor tenants with more than 50,000 square feet each, twelve major retailers with 12,000 to 50,000 square feet each, 339 smaller shops up to 20,000 square feet, 21 restaurants, 45 specialty food tenants, 20 food court tenants, and 5 kiosks.[205]
To accommodate visitors to American Dream Meadowlands the New Jersey Transit Authority with operate a commuter shuttle between the project and the Secaucus train station, along with a direct bus line from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.[206] In addition, “New York Waterway is in talks to run a shuttle to take passengers to and from marinas along the Hudson River along the Gold Coast in Edgewater, Weehawken, and North Bergen.”[207]
The complex will include a 225,000+ square foot DreamWorks water park, a 300,000+ square foot Nickelodeon Universe theme park, an aquarium, Legoland discovery, a ski slope, a performing arts space, a movie theatre, an ice rink, a miniature golf course, and a kosher food hall.[208] The Big Snow America Indoor Ski Slope will be the first indoor ski and snowboard park in the Western Hemisphere with a 16 story slope for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.[209] Activities for guests aren’t limited to just adults the KidZania park, a child sized replica of a real city that allows children to work “adult jobs” and earn KidZania currency to spend at the gift shop, will also be located within the American Dream Meadowlands.[210] In April of 2018 it was also reported that the project will also include the following:
A pair of roller coasters: the Launched Euro-Fighter roller coaster, which will have the world’s steepest roller coaster drop; and the Spinner Coaster, the world’s tallest and longest free-spinning roller coaster.
A 22,000-square-foot arcade and bowling alley for adults, featuring live bands and a selection of craft beers.
A 300-foot-tall Ferris wheel offering a one-of-a-kind view of Manhattan; and
A 4-D, dine-in movie theater.[211]
Other attraction include:
A permanent venue for Cirque de Soleil, which will perform there;
A National Hockey League-sized skating rink;
Big Snow America will include a chalet;
A Sea Life aquarium; and
A 12-screen, upscale Cinemex movie theater with ‘sky box’ private viewing rooms.[212]
As it stands now the building has been described as ugly by most people who see it including former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey but that’s not what’s important to Triple Five.[213] Triple Five looked forward to tackling the exterior of the building which has been described as ugly and in need of change. Don Ghermezian has stated that transforming the exterior has been a large part of the plan since Triple Five took over the project.[214] Triple Five is striving for much more than a mall with this project, the group wants to create a veritable playground for guests and avoid the woes many malls are currently facing.
For some malls this means losing key anchor stores that occupy large spaces within shopping malls. With the closing of stores like Sears and Boston Stores, that are traditionally anchors many malls are having a hard time filling the gaps. Roughly 30% of malls are at risk of closing as a result of store closures so malls need to start looking elsewhere for revenue.[215] For some malls it comes in the form of offices or apartments being built into the mall space creating a small community.[216] Others like, like those run by Triple Five, have turned to entertainment as a replacement for anchors and as a way to bring in guests.[217] One commercial real estate information firm says that regional and super-regional malls devote 9% of their occupied space to entertainment and dining, up from 7.9% five years ago.[218] This percentage translates to over 10 million square feet of space being shifted away from shopping to entertainment a trend that could help to save shopping malls.[219]
Triple Five seems to be excelling at shifting their malls from shopping centers to playgrounds for guests to enjoy and have announced a new project in the Miami area. In May of 2018, Triple Five won zoning approval, with the commissioners of Miami-Dade voting 9 to 1, for a $4 billion mall that would include an indoor ski slope and a submarine lake.[220] American Dream Miami would be located off of the Florida Turnpike, and it is predicted that there will be 30 million visitors a year and 70,000 vehicle trips in and out of the property.[221] The project would see Triple Five allying with Graham Companies who own a large portion of the 175 acres of the site that the project will be located on.[222] Even though this is a major breakthrough for the project, it still has a long way to go and faces several hurdles. Permits must be obtained for environmental mitigation, sewage capacity, and water use.[223] Additionally, the project can’t proceed without $200 million in roadway improvements which Florida has stated it will implement; however, Triple Five will have to foot the bill for any improvements the state isn’t financing.[224] Another issue came from a lobbying group formed by owners of rival malls in the area that tried and failed to get Triple Five pre-emptively banned from receiving any public financing, with one commissioner wanting to avoid the mistakes made when financing Marlins Park.[225] Ultimately, this project will face the same hurdles as the Meadowlands project to get started, but Triple Five has the experience and determination to make progress.
In October of 2018, it was reported that Triple Five purchased Dalian Wanda’s stake in Chicago’s Vista Tower project which is valued at $900 million.[226] “Triple Five is also buying [Dalian] Wanda’s One Beverly Hills condo and hotel project in Los Angeles, valued at $1.2 billion.”[227]
VIII. Conclusion
Even with the positive steps taken by Triple Five and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, the American Dream Meadowlands project has faced numerous obstacles, including construction delays, legal challenges, financing issues, environmental issues, and a series of developers. But it seems the project will continue construction until it is completed with a project opening date during 2019. Compared to most sports communities, development of American Dream Meadowlands has been unreasonably long and somewhat stagnant. Most sports communities are widely successful and a big draw to an area, even on non-game days. “American Dream Meadowlands will be an economic engine for not only North Jersey but for the entire East Coast, according to Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco.”[228] With over a decade of development, countless investors, multiple developers, and numerous financing schemes, American Dream Meadowlands, now under the direction and control of Triple Five, may finally be a reality.
Matthew W. Carlson is a Wisconsin licensed attorney earning his Juris Doctor in May 2018 from Marquette University Law School. While at Marquette, Carlson was a staff member of the Marquette Sports Law Review (Volume 28) and a member of the Sports Law Society. Carlson was also a member of the Marquette Health Law Society and served as the Vice President during his 2L year. Prior to Marquette, Carlson earned his Bachelor of Sciences in Social Sciences with a focus on Law and Society from Michigan Technological University (Houghton, MI). While at Marquette, Carlson interned with Michigan Technological University’s Athletic Department as an NCAA Compliance intern and interned as a legal assistant at Eliason Law Office PC in Hancock, Michigan. Currently Carlson is a legal intern for Martin J. Greenberg.
Thank you to Danelle Welzig, my paralegal, for her assistance in writing and perfecting this article.
American Dream Meadowlands Proposed Renderings
[1] Charles V. Bagli, Looking for (Another) $1.1 Billion to Finish an Amusement Mall, The New York Times, May 31, 2017, https://nyti.ms/2sodicq.
[2] Amanda Kolson Hurley, Does America Still Want the American Dream?, The Atlantic, Oct. 9, 2015, https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/10/does-america-still-want-the-american-dream/409804/.
[3] Bagli, supra note 1.
[4] Susan Berfield, Illya Marritz, and John Reitmeyer, How Not to Build a Supermall: $5 Billion, 5 Governors, 3 Developers, and 15 Years, Bloomberg, Dec. 15, 2016, https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-american-dream-mall/.
[5] Id.
[6] Richard Perez-Pena, Fix Xanadu? The Problem May Be Where to Begin, New York Times, Apr. 1, 2011, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/02/nyregion/02xanadu.html?_r=0.
[7] Berfield, supra note 4.
[8] Charles V. Bagli and Richard Perez-Pena, For Xanadu Mall, Stalled and Scorned, Deal May Offer New Life, New York Times, Apr. 28, 2011, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/nyregion/deal-reached-to-expand-xanadu-mall-project-in-nj.html (Last Visited June 22, 2018).
[9] Who We Are, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, http://www.njsea.com/njmc/about/who-we-are.html (Last visited July 1, 2018).
[10] Establishment; members removal; organization; bond; compensation; dissolution; certification of actions by governor, N.J.S.A. 5:10-4 (2018).
[11] Allison Pries, American Dream: The 16-year (and counting) journey of a mega-mall that might actually be kind of soon, NJ.com, Jun. 19, 2018, https://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2018/06/american_dream_how_did_a_swath_of_land_in_the_mead.html.
[12] New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Meadowlands Sports Complex: Redevelopment of the Continental Airlines Arena Site, Jun. 2002, http://www.teterboro-online.com/images/mead/prop1/arenarfp6-26.pdf (Last visited May 22, 2018).
[13] Id.
[14] Id.
[15] Id.
[16] John Brennan, The Long and Winding Road that has been American Dream Meadowlands, North Jersey, May 4, 2017, http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/business/meadowlands-matters/2017/05/02/long-and-winding-road-has-been-american-dream-meadowlands/100670280/ (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[17] Pries, supra note 11.
[18] Id.
[19] Id.
[20] The Mills Corporation, Reference for Business, http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/66/The-Mills-Corporation.html (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[21] Id.
[22] Id.
[23] Id.
[24] Staff and Wire Reports, Mills Corp. to acquire six malls for $621 million, National Real Estate Investor, Dec. 11, 2002, http://www.nreionline.com/retail/mills-corp-acquire-six-malls-621-million (last visited Jul. 1, 2018); The Mills Corporation to Acquire High-Quality Regional Mall Portfolio; Creates new 50% partnership with General Motors Asset Management, Business Wire, Aug. 17, 2004, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040817005365/en/Mills-Corporation-Acquire-High-Quality-Regional-Mall-Portfolio (last visited Jul. 1, 2018)
[25] The Mills Corporation Partners with Intrawest Corporation and Heineken to Enhance Madrid Xanadu, Europe’s Largest Retail, Lifestyle and Snow Destination; World-Class Brands Add to Broad Array of the Mills’ Global Partnerships, Business Wire, Aug. 1, 2005, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050801005484/en/Mills-Corporation-Partners-Intrawest-Corporation-Heineken-Enhance.
[26] Berfield supra at note 4.
[27] Debbie Patire, American Dream Completes $2.77B Construction Financing, American Dream, http://www.americandream.com/fun/?open=1 (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[28] Two World-Record Roller Coasters Coming to Nickelodeon Universe At American Dream, Cision PR Newswire, Nov. 2, 2017, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/two-world-record-roller-coasters-coming-to-nickelodeon-universe-at-american-dream-300548196.html. (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[29] Id.
[30] The Mills Corporation supra at note 20.
[31] Id.
[32] Terry Pristin, At $2.3 Billion, This Mall Could Be Too Big to Fail, New York Times, May 19, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/realestate/commercial/20xanadu.html.
[33] Meadowlands Xanadu Proposal Greatest Assemblage of Entertainment and Recreation All Under One Roof Selected by New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Mack Cali Reality Corporation, Feb. 12, 2003, https://www.mack-cali.com/news/2003/meadowlands-xanadu-proposal-greatest-assemblage-of-entertainment-and-recreation-all-under-one-roof-selected-by-new-jersey-sports-and-exposition-authority/ (last visited Jul. 1, 2018); Mack-Cali Comments on The Mills Corporation’s Meadowlands Xanadu Financing Announcement, Mack Cali Reality Corporation, Aug. 22, 2006, https://www.mack-cali.com/news/2006/mack-cali-comments-on-the-mills-corporationand039s-meadowlands-xanadu-financing-announcement/ (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[34] Id.
[35] Brennan supra at note 16.
[36] Pries, supra note 11.
[37] Stephen Taub, Litany of Woes for Mills Corp., CFO, Jan. 9, 2007, ww2.cfo.com/accounting-tax/2007/01/litany-of-woes-for-mills-corp/ (last visited May 22, 2018).
[38] Simon Property Group and Farallon Capital Management Complete Acquisition of The Mills Corporation, Simon, Apr. 6, 2007, http://investors.simon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=113968&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=982485 (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[39] Taub, supra at Note 37.
[40] Id.
[41] Id.
[42] Id.
[43] Id.
[44] Brennan supra at note 16.
[45] Id.
[46] Kolson supra at note 2.
[47] Laura Mansnerus, How a Mall in the Meadowlands Is Bleeding a Company, New York Times, Apr. 16, 2006, http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9801E1DF163FF935A25757C0A9609C8B63&pagewanted=all.
[48] Tribune News Services, Mills stock jumps 15% on news of New Jersey investment deal, Chicago Tribune, Aug. 23, 2006, http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-08-23/business/0608230029_1_million-square-foot-xanadu-project-meadowlands-xanadu-mills-stock .
[49] Brennan, supra at note 16.
[50] John Spence, Mills Corp. gets ‘Xanadu’ funding, Market Watch, Aug. 22, 2006, https://www.marketwatch.com/story/mills-corp-surges-on-xanadu-shopping-complex-financing.
[51] Id.
[52] Id.
[53] Pries, supra note 11.
[54] Colony Capital, LLC: Private Company Information, Bloomberg, https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=616383 (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[55] Colony Northstar, About Us, Colony Northstar, https://www.clns.com/about#t3-mainbody (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[56] Id.
[57] Colony Capital Completes Recapitalization of Meadowlands Xanadu Project, Business Wire, Nov. 22, 2006, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20061122005616/en/Colony-Capital-Completes-Recapitalization-Meadowlands-Xanadu-Project.
[58] Al Sullivan, A dream comes true?, Hudson Reporter, Aug. 25, 2013 http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/23380629/article-A-dream-comes-true—New-owners-get-keys-to-former-Xanadu-entertainment-complex-on-Route-3-?instance=secaucus; Dealbook, At $2.3 Billion, This Mall Could Be Too Big to Fail, The New york Times, May 19, 2009, https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/at-23-billion-this-mall-could-be-too-big-to-fail/ https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/realestate/commercial/20xanadu.html.
[59] Pries, supra note 11.
[60] Id.
[61] Jim Beckerman, On National Ferris Wheel Day, salute the ups and downs of a popular ride, NorthJersey.com, Feb. 13, 2018, https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2018/02/13/national-ferris-wheel-day-salute-ups-and-downs-popular-ride/307217002/.
[62] Pristin supra at note 32.
[63] Sam Mamudi, Lehman folds with record $613 billion debt, MarketWatch, Sep. 15, 2008 https://www.marketwatch.com/story/lehman-folds-with-record-613-billion-debt.
[64] David Porter, Troubled Xanadu project now in the hands of creditors, The San Diego Union-Tribune, Aug. 10, 2010, http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-troubled-xanadu-project-now-in-hands-of-creditors-2010aug10-story.html.
[65]Charles V. Bagli and Richard Perez-Pena, Xanadu Mall Project, Renamed American Dream Meadowlands, New York Times, Apr. 28, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/nyregion/deal-reached-to-expand-xanadu-mall-project-in-nj.html (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[66] Id.
[67] Andrew Tangel, Xanadu’s $3B ‘White Knight’ knows how to get things done, North Jersey, Feb. 7, 2010, https://web.archive.org/web/20100210052343/http://www.northjersey.com/news/83743942_Xanadu_s__3B__White_Knight__knows_how_to_get_things_done.html (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[68] John Brennan, Ross taking over Xanadu, dumping name, North Jersey, May 14, 2010, https://web.archive.org/web/20100517090338/http://www.northjersey.com/news/051410_Ross_taking_over_Xanadu_dumping_name.html.
[69] Tangel supra at note 66.
[70] Bagli supra at note 1; Pries, supra note 11.
[71] Sullivan supra at note 58.
[72] Triple Five, http://triplefive.com/en/pages/home (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[73] Berfield supra note 4.
[74] Id.
[75] Id.
[76] Id.
[77] Triple Five Group Ltd. History, Funding Universe, http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/triple-five-group-ltd-history/ (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[78] Id.
[79] Id.
[80] Berfield supra note 4.
[81] Id.
[82] Id.
[83] Evelyn Rusli, Heirs to Old Money Plunge Into Tech, New York Times, Apr. 4, 2012, https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/heirs-to-old-money-plunge-into-tech/?mtrref=www.google.com&gwh=94E5CDF04F94E19970728F1AE15D8FBA&gwt=pay (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[84] Triple Five Group Ltd. History, FundingUniverse.Com, http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/triple-five-group-ltd-history/. (Last visited Aug. 23, 2018.)
[85] Berfield supra note 4.
[86] Id.
[87] Id.
[88] Khushboo, Sheth, The Biggest Shopping Malls In The World, World Atlas, Jan. 5, 2018, https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-biggest-shopping-malls-in-the-world.html (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[89] West Edmonton Mall, World Franchise, http://worldfranchise.eu/shopping-centre/west-edmonton-mall (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[90] Id.
[91] Attractions, West Edmonton Mall, Triple Five Group, http://triplefive.com/en/pages/wem/attractions (last visited Jul. 1, 20018).
[92] West Edmonton Mall, The Canadian Encyclopedia, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/west-edmonton-mall/ (last visited Jul. 1 2018); Looking for Paintball at West Edmonton Mall?, Edmonton Paintball Center, https://edmontonpaintball.ca/west-edmonton-mall-paintball.php (last visited Jul. 1 2018).
[93] West Edmonton Mall, http://www.wem.ca/ (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[94] Id.
[95] West Edmonton Mall Transit Center, City of Edmonton, https://www.edmonton.ca/ets/west-edmonton-mall-transit-centre.aspx (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[96] Neal Karlen, The Mall That Ate Minnesota, New York Times, Aug. 30, 1992, https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/30/style/the-mall-that-ate-minnesota.html (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[97] Berfield supra at note 4.
[98] Id.
[99] Id.
[100] Berfield supra at note 4.
[101] Carlye Wisel, The Complete Guide to the Mall of America, Racked.com, Dec. 20, 2016, https://www.racked.com/2016/12/20/13848688/mall-of-america-stores.
[102] Id.
[103] Id.
[104] Lois Parshley, Midnight at the Mall of America, The Atlantic, Nov. 27, 2011, https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/11/midnight-at-the-mall-of-america/249089/; Map, Mall of
America, https://www.mallofamerica.com/directory (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[105] Janet Moore, Bids come in too high for Mall of America LRT station overhaul, Star Tribune, Feb. 14, 2018, http://www.startribune.com/bids-come-in-too-high-for-mall-of-america-lrt-station-overhaul/474092693/.
[106] Kristen Leigh Painter, Mall of America unveils another addition with luxury retail, hotel, offices, Star Tribune, Oct. 2, 2015, http://www.startribune.com/mall-of-america-unveils-another-addition-with-luxury-retail-hotel-offices/330283081/.
[107] Kolson supra at note 2.
[108] Sagar, Parikh, CFA, American Dream Meadowlands, TWC, Oct. 10, 2017, https://www.tcw.com/en/insights/viewpoints/10-10-17_american_dream_meadowlands (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[109] Id.
[110] Berfield supra note 4.
[111] Seth Berkman, ‘Dream’ land: A look at the Canadian developers behind the Meadowlands megamall project, Inside-Jersey Magazine, Nov. 17, 2014, https://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/index.ssf/2014/11/dream_land_can. adian_developers_take_on_meadowlands_megamall_project.html.
[112] Samantha Henry, Mall of America developer will try to rescue N.J. megamall, MPR News, May 4, 2011, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/05/03/american-dream-mall.
[113] Ted Sherman, Sports Authority approves expanded American Dream proposal, NJ.com, May 17, 2013, https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/05/sports_authority_approved_amer.html#incart_river_default#incart_hbx#incart_best-of.
[114] Charles V. Bagli, Giants and Jets Sue to Block Mall in Meadowlands, New York Times, Jun. 22, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/23/nyregion/giants-and-jets-sue-to-block-huge-mall-in-meadowlands.html (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[115] New Meadowlands Stadium Company v. Triple Five Group, 2012 WL 3600833 (2012).
[116] Id.
[117] Id.
[118] Pries, supra note 11.
[119] Brennan supra at note 16.
[120] Erin O’Neill, Big tax break for American Dream project gets green light, NJ.com, Aug. 11, 2015, https://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2015/08/big_tax_break_for_american_dream_project_gets_green_light.html.
[121] Id.
[122] Id.
[123] John Reitmeyer, New Jersey’s mega-mall is scheduled to open March 2019, why.org, Jul 11, 2017, https://whyy.org/articles/if-mega-malls-are-your-thing-american-dream-is-alive/ (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[124] Id.
[125] Berfield supra at note 4.
[126] Id.
[127] Myles Ma, Could Wisconsin Agency solve American Dream Financing delay?, NJ.com, Apr. 28, 2016, http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2016/04/could_wisconsin_agency_solve_american_dream_financ.html (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[128] Id.
[129] Parikh, Supra at Note 107.
[130] John Brennan, American Dream Meadowlands back to life? Badly needed funding arrives, North Jersey, May 20, 2017, http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2017/05/20/american-dream-meadowlands-back-life-badly-needed-funding-arrives/334012001/ (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[131] John Brennan, American Dream Meadowlands finalizes $2.8B in construction financing; work resumes, North Jersey, Jun. 29, 2017, http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2017/06/29/american-dream-meadowlands-finalizes-its-2-8-b-financing/440364001/ (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[132] Bloomberg News, Triple Five’s American Dream a winner with bondholders, Finance-Commerce.Com, Jun. 22, 2018, https://finance-commerce.com/2018/06/american-dream-a-winner-with-bondholders/.
[133] Parikh, Supra at Note 107; Debbie Patire, American Dream Completes $2.77B Construction Financing, American DreaM Press Release, Jun. 22, 2017, http://www.americandream.com/press/american-dream-financing_6-22-17.pdf (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[134] Meghan Grant, Can it be true? American Dream says it will open in Spring 2019, North Jersey, May 9, 2018, https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2018/05/09/american-dream-says-open-spring-2019/577026002/.
[135] Parikh, supra note 107.
[136] Pries, supra note 11.
[137] Id.
[138] Linda Moss, American Dream Meadowlands Remains Set for Spring 2019 Debut, CoStar.Com, May 9, 2018, http://product.costar.com/home/news/shared/190836.
[139] Id.
[140] Parikh, Supra at Note 107.
[141] Id.
[142] Hayley Peterson, The retail apocalypse has officially descended on America, Business Insider, Mar. 21, 2017, http://www.businessinsider.com/the-retail-apocalypse-has-officially-descended-on-america-2017-3 (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[143] Josh Sanburn, Why the Death of Malls Is About More Than Shopping, Time, Jul. 20, 2017, http://time.com/4865957/death-and-lif-shopping-mall/.
[144] Peterson supra at note 142.
[145] Sanburn, supra at note 143.
[146] Id.
[147] Id.
[148] Id.
[149] Id.
[150] Id.
[151] Id.
[152] Id.
[153] Derek Thompson, What in the World is Causing the Retail Meltdown of 2017? The Atlantic, Apr. 10, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/04/retail-meltdown-of-2017/522384/
[154] Id.
[155] Id.
[156] Id.
[157] Katherine Clarke, Inside the retail apocalypse, therealdeal.com, May 17, 2017, https://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/inside-the-retail-apocalypse/
[158] Id.
[159] Id.
[160] Id.
[161] Id.
[162] Id.
[163] Id.
[164] Thompson, supra note 152.
[165] Id.
[166] Id.
[167] Motley Fool Staff, Shopping Struggles: These 11 retailers may not survive 2018, The Motley Fool-USA Today, July 10, 2018, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/retail/2018/07/10/shopping-struggles-11-retailers-may-not-survive-2018/36720811/
[168] Sarah Mulholland, Landlords Are Practically Giving Malls Away, Bloomberg.com, June 12, 2018, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-12/owners-of-fading-malls-on-their-knees-as-buyer-pool-evaporates.
[169] Id.
[170] Id.
[171] Id.
[172] Id.
[173] Id.
[174] Michael Corkery, Hard Lessons (Thanks, Amazon) Breathe New Life Into Retail Stores, The New York Times, Sept. 3, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/03/business/retail-walmart-amazon-economy.html
[175] Id.
[176] Id.
[177] Id.
[178] Id.
[179] Charisse Jones and Nathan Bomey, Sear files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, to close 142 more stores, USA Today, Oct. 15, 2018, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/10/15/sears-bankruptcy/1595399002/.
[180] Id.
[181] Id.
[182] Kate Gibson, Eddie Lambert officially wins auction for what’s left of Sears, CBS News, Jan. 17, 2019, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sears-bankruptcy-auction-eddie-lampert-officially-wins-auction-for-whats-left-of-sears/.
[183] Id.
[184] Ahiza Garcia, Payless is closing all its 2,100 US stores, CNN Business, Feb. 18, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/15/business/payless-closing-stores-bankrupt/index.html.
[185] Chris Isidore, Payless plans to close during its second bankruptcy, costing 16,000 workers their jobs, CNN Business, Feb. 19, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/19/business/payless-bankruptcy/index.html.
[186] Id.
[187] Richard Kestenbaum, Why So Many Stores Are Closing Now, Forbes, Apr. 7, 2017, https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2018/10/30/target-will-close-greenfield-location-in-six-store.html.
[188] Id.
[189] Mark Reilly, Target will close Greenfield location Feb. 2 in six-store slash, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Oct. 20, 2018, https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardkestenbaum/2017/04/07/why-so-many-stores-are-closing-now/#48f21b614159
[190] Mike Richards, What’s up with retail downsizing? TheLens.Com, Jun. 1, 2018, http://thelens.news/2018/06/01/whats-up-with-retail-downsizing/.
[191] Id.
[192] Id.
[193] Kelly Tyko, Are more store closings coming? Firm forecasts “No light at the end of the tunnel,” USA Today, Feb. 14, 2019, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/02/13/more-store-closures-expected-2019-new-report/2865505002/.
[194] Id.
[195] Lauren Thomas, Another wave of retail store closures coming. ‘No light at the end of the tunnel,” CNBC.com, Feb. 13, 2019, https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/13/another-wave-of-retail-store-closures-coming-no-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel.html.
[196] Berfield supra note 4.
[197] The Ultimate Family Experience, American Dream, http://www.americandream.com/fun/?open=1 (Last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[198] The Evolution of Shopping & Entertainment, AmericanDream.Com (Last Visited on Aug. 23, 2018).
[199] Id.
[200] Joan Verdon and Nicholas Katzban, Americna Dream on track to open next spring, developer says, North Jersey Record, Aug. 28, 2018, https://www.northjersey.com/story/money/2018/08/28/american-dream-track-opening-spring-2019-developer-says/1112206002/.
[201] Id.
[202] Id.
[203] Id.
[204] Id.
[205] Brennan, John, American Dream Meadowlands by the Numbers, NorthJersey.com, Aug. 11, 2015, https://web.archive.org/web/20160207221924/http://blog.northjersey.com/meadowlandsmatters/11948/american-dream-meadowlands-by-the-numbers/.
[206] Daniel Hubbard, American Dream Meadowlands Sets Opening Date, Ridgewood, NJ Patch, Aug. 17, 2018, https://patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/amp/27702695/american-dream-meadowlands-sets-opening-date.
[207] Id.
[208] Berfield supra note 4.
[209]The Ultimate Family Experience supra at note 197.
[210] Flori Muresan, The American Dream Meadowlands in NJ is Scheduled for Opening on March 2019, New York Engineers, https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/american-dream-meadowlands-scheduled-for-march-2019 (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[211] Varacchi, American Dream Meadowlands plans March 2019 Opening, 1057thehawk.com, Apr. 4, 2018, http://1057thehawk.com/american-dream-meadowlands-plans-march-2019-opening/
[212] Moss, supra Note 138.
[213] Richard Perez Pena, Fix Xanadu? The Problem May Be Where to Begin, New York Times, Apr. 1, 2011, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/02/nyregion/02xanadu.html.
[214] Joshua Burd, Triple Five unveils new video, renderings of American Dream, Real Estate NJ, Dec. 6, 2016, https://re-nj.com/triple-five-unveils-new-video-renderings-of-american-dream-video/ (last visited Jul. 1, 2018).
[215]Peterson supra at note 142.
[216] Sanburn, supra at note 143.
[217] Rick Rommel, As anchors close, Southridge and other malls turn to less retail and more fun, Journal Sentinel, Jan. 27, 2018, https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/retail/2018/01/27/mall-anchors-close-southridge-less-retail-more-fun/1063187001/.
[218] Id.
[219] Id.
[220] Douglas Hanks, Nation’s largest mall wins Miami-Dade approval as county backs American Dream Miami, Miami Herald, May 17, 2018, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article211306649.html.
[221] Id.
[222] Id.
[223] Id.
[224] Id.
[225] Id.
[226] Dennis Lynch, Who is Triple Five Group? Canadian development giant betting big on Chicago with Vista Tower deal, TheRealDeal.com, Oct. 8, 2018, https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2018/10/08/who-is-triple-five-group-canadian-development-giant-betting-big-on-chicago-with-vista-tower-deal/.
[227] Id.
[228] Moss, supra Note 138.