What is the Mall of America and where is it located?

The Mall of America is a large shopping mall situated in Bloomington, Minnesota. It is located within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, specifically southeast of the junction of Interstate 494 and Minnesota State Highway 77, north of the Minnesota River, and across the interstate from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. It is recognized as the largest mall in the United States and the Western Hemisphere.

When did the Mall of America open, and what is its global ranking in size?

The Mall of America opened its doors to the public on August 11, 1992. Upon its opening, it became the largest mall in the United States and the Western Hemisphere, and it currently ranks as the twelfth largest shopping mall in the world.

Who manages and owns the Mall of America?

The Mall of America is managed by the Triple Five Group, which is owned by the Ghermezian family. This family also owns other major shopping centers, including the West Edmonton Mall and American Dream.

Approximately how many people visit the Mall of America annually, and where do most visitors come from?

Approximately 40 million people visit the Mall of America each year. The majority of these visitors, about 80%, originate from the surrounding states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Illinois, and Ohio.

On what site was the Mall of America constructed?

The Mall of America was constructed on the site of the former Metropolitan Stadium. This stadium was previously the home venue for the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins before the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome opened in 1982.

How does the Mall of America commemorate its former site, Metropolitan Stadium?

The Mall of America features several memorials to Metropolitan Stadium. A plaque in the mall's amusement park marks the former location of home plate, and a single stadium seat is preserved at the exact spot where it stood, commemorating a famous home run hit by Harmon Killebrew.

What were the original anchor stores when the Mall of America opened?

When the Mall of America opened in 1992, its anchor tenants were Nordstrom, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Sears. These large department stores occupied key positions within the mall's layout.

What nicknames were associated with the Mall of America around its opening?

Around the time of its opening, the Mall of America earned several nicknames, including "The Megamall," "Sprawl of America," and "Hugedale." The latter nickname was a reference to the four major shopping malls in the Twin Cities area that ended with "dale": Rosedale, Southdale, Ridgedale, and the now-defunct Brookdale.

How did the Ghermezians regain full control of the Mall of America?

The Ghermezian family regained full control of the Mall of America in November 2006 by investing US$1 billion. This acquisition solidified their ownership and management of the property.

What expansion projects has the Mall of America undertaken?

The Mall of America has undergone significant expansion projects. These include a proposed $2 billion expansion that received a tax break in 2008, a $200 million expansion announced in 2012 that added retail space and a hotel, and the construction of a $104 million JW Marriott hotel. Plans for an indoor water park were also approved in 2022.

Describe the architectural layout and size of the Mall of America.

The Mall of America has a gross area of 5.6 million square feet, with 2.869 million square feet dedicated to retail space. Its floor plan is nearly symmetric and rectangular, with stores arranged along pedestrian walkways on three levels, and a fourth level on the south and east sides. Four anchor department stores are situated at the corners, and the mall is organized into four distinct zones, which were renovated to a unified style between 2010 and 2015.

How does the Mall of America manage its internal temperature without extensive heating systems?

Despite Minnesota's cold winters, the Mall of America's common areas are largely unheated. The mall utilizes heat generated from skylights above the central amusement park, as well as heat produced by lighting fixtures, electronic devices, and the body heat of visitors. In some cases, air conditioning systems may even operate during peak hours to maintain a comfortable temperature.

What parking facilities are available at the Mall of America?

The Mall of America provides parking through two nearly identical seven-story ramps located on the east and west sides, offering a total of 12,287 spaces. Additional overflow parking is available north of the building, and IKEA's adjacent parking adds another 1,407 spaces.

What notable tenants have been part of the Mall of America's history, and what are some current anchors?

Historically, anchor tenants included Nordstrom, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Sears. Bloomingdale's and Sears have since closed. Current anchors include Macy's, Nordstrom, L.L. Bean, and the Crayola Experience. The mall also hosts numerous junior anchors like H&M and Barnes & Noble, and recently welcomed a Toys "R" Us store.

What is the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium and what does it offer?

The Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is an attraction within the mall featuring a 300-foot tunnel through 14 feet of water, showcasing over 4,500 sea creatures like sharks, turtles, and stingrays. It also provides special events such as sleepovers, scuba diving, and birthday parties.

What nostalgic artifacts related to sports history are preserved at the Mall of America?

The Mall of America preserves artifacts from the former Metropolitan Stadium, including a seat marking the location of Harmon Killebrew's longest home run and a plaque indicating the spot of home plate. A third plaque commemorates the 50-yard line used for coin tosses at Minnesota Vikings games.

What memorial is located at the Mall of America in honor of the September 11 attacks?

A memorial dedicated to the victims of the September 11 attacks is located at the Mall of America. Specifically, a bust of Tom Burnett, a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 who was from Bloomington, is situated on the first floor near the fountain in front of Nordstrom.

How does public transportation serve the Mall of America?

The Mall of America is served by the Mall of America station, Minnesota's busiest transit hub, located in the eastern parking ramp. It is the southern terminus for the METRO Blue Line (light rail) and the northern terminus for the METRO Red Line (bus rapid transit), connecting to various destinations in the Twin Cities area. Local bus services from Metro Transit and MVTA also stop there.

What security measures are in place at the Mall of America, and what concerns have been raised?

The Mall of America employs Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) trained to identify suspicious indicators. However, concerns have been raised regarding potential infringements on civil rights, particularly after reports in 2010 indicated that security personnel were instructed to question individuals exhibiting behaviors like photographing air-conditioning ducts. Media reports in 2011 also documented alleged security abuses.

What threats has the Mall of America faced related to militant groups?

In February 2015, the militant group al-Shabaab released propaganda calling for attacks on the Mall of America and other Western shopping centers. In response, security was heightened, and the Department of Homeland Security issued an alert for shoppers to remain vigilant.

Describe the protests that have occurred at the Mall of America.

The Mall of America has been the site of significant protests, notably by Black Lives Matter. In December 2014, thousands participated in an unauthorized demonstration, leading to arrests and legal action by the city. In December 2015, the mall attempted to prevent another planned protest by filing a restraining order against activists, which the ACLU criticized as an unconstitutional restraint on speech.

What notable criminal incidents have occurred at the Mall of America?

The Mall of America has experienced several serious criminal incidents. These include a 2019 incident where a child was thrown from a balcony, a 2021 shooting injuring two people, an August 2022 shooting outside the Nike store, and a fatal shooting in December 2022 inside Nordstrom. These events have led to arrests and convictions.

What was the outcome of the 2019 incident where a child was thrown from a balcony?

In April 2019, a 24-year-old man threw a five-year-old boy from the third-story balcony of the Mall of America. The boy survived his injuries after extensive hospitalization. The perpetrator, Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda, was sentenced to 19 years in prison.

What happened during the August 2022 shooting at the Mall of America?

In August 2022, the Mall of America went into lockdown after two men fired gunshots during an altercation at the Nike store before fleeing the scene. NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and his family were present but unharmed. The alleged shooters were later apprehended in Chicago, along with three individuals accused of aiding their escape.

What was the result of the December 2022 shooting at the Mall of America?

A fatal shooting occurred in December 2022 inside the Nordstrom department store at the Mall of America, resulting from a "long-standing feud." The 19-year-old victim died, and a bystander was grazed by a bullet. Two teenagers, TaeShawn Adams-Wright and Lavon Longstreet, were later convicted of murder and assault and sentenced to over 30 years in prison.

In which movies and television shows has the Mall of America been featured?

The Mall of America has served as a filming location for several movies, including "D2: The Mighty Ducks," "D3: The Mighty Ducks," "Jingle All the Way," and "The End of the Tour." It also hosted the first episode of "WCW Monday Nitro" and was referenced in the TV show "How I Met Your Mother."

What is the significance of the Mall of America in the context of the Twin Cities' shopping landscape?

The Mall of America is a dominant feature in the Twin Cities' shopping landscape, being the largest mall in the United States. It has also influenced the naming and development of other malls in the area, with nicknames like "Hugedale" referencing other major malls such as Rosedale, Southdale, and Ridgedale.

What role does the Mall of America play in the local transit system?

The Mall of America serves as a major transit hub for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. It hosts the southern terminus of the METRO Blue Line light rail and the northern terminus of the METRO Red Line bus rapid transit, facilitating travel for millions of visitors and residents.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Mall of America?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mall of America closed for twelve weeks, reopening in June 2020 with a limited number of tenants. The reopening was initially planned for June 1, but was postponed due to civil unrest in the Twin Cities.

What is the 'Hugedale' nickname related to the Mall of America?

The nickname 'Hugedale' was associated with the Mall of America around its opening, referencing its immense size and its status alongside other major Twin Cities malls that ended with 'dale,' such as Rosedale Center, Southdale Center, and Ridgedale Center.

What is the function of the Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) at the Mall of America?

Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) at the Mall of America are trained to identify potential threats by observing suspicious indicators in people, vehicles, and unattended items. Their training focuses on detecting intent rather than specific means, aiming to prevent incidents ranging from terrorism to everyday crime.

What is the significance of the Harmon Killebrew seat at the Mall of America?

The Harmon Killebrew seat is a preserved stadium seat located at the Mall of America that marks the exact spot in the former Metropolitan Stadium where the legendary baseball player Harmon Killebrew hit his longest home run on June 3, 1967. It serves as a nostalgic tribute to a significant moment in local sports history.

What is the purpose of the home plate plaque located in Nickelodeon Universe?

The home plate plaque, embedded in the floor of Nickelodeon Universe, marks the precise location of home plate at the former Metropolitan Stadium. This serves as a historical marker, connecting the current indoor theme park to the site's past as a major sports venue.

What kind of retail and entertainment offerings does the Mall of America provide?

The Mall of America offers a vast array of retail stores, including major department stores and numerous specialty shops. It also features extensive entertainment options such as the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park, the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, numerous dining establishments, and a movie theater complex.

How does the mall's design contribute to its unique climate control?

The mall's design, with large skylights over the central amusement park area, allows natural light and heat to enter. This, combined with heat generated by lighting and the presence of many people, helps maintain a comfortable temperature, often reducing the need for extensive artificial heating even during cold Minnesota winters.

What is the role of the Triple Five Group in the mall's development and management?

The Triple Five Group, owned by the Ghermezian family, was instrumental in the concept design and development of the Mall of America. They continue to manage the mall, overseeing its operations and expansion projects, and also own other large retail properties like the West Edmonton Mall.

What legal issues have arisen concerning protests at the Mall of America?

Legal issues have arisen from protests, particularly those organized by Black Lives Matter. These have included arrests during demonstrations, attempts by the mall to secure restraining orders against activists, and lawsuits filed by the city seeking damages, leading to debates about free speech and public assembly rights within the mall's premises.

What is the significance of the 'Mall of America' station in Minnesota's transit system?

The Mall of America station is recognized as the busiest transit hub in Minnesota. It serves as a key connection point for both light rail (METRO Blue Line) and bus rapid transit (METRO Red Line), linking the mall and surrounding areas to downtown Minneapolis, the airport, and other suburban destinations.

How has the mall's tenant mix evolved since its opening?

The mall's tenant mix has evolved over time. While original anchors like Sears have closed, new anchors like L.L. Bean and Crayola Experience have been added. Several junior anchor stores have also changed, with former tenants like American Girl being replaced by new retail concepts such as an M&M's store.

What is the purpose of the authority control section at the end of the article?

The authority control section provides standardized identifiers for the Mall of America from various databases, such as VIAF, Library of Congress, and MusicBrainz. This helps ensure consistency and accuracy when referencing the mall in different catalogs and systems, aiding in data management and retrieval.

What is the 'Pan Asian Center' mentioned in relation to Maplewood Mall?

The Pan Asian Center is an area within the Maplewood Mall, which is located in the East Metro area. It is noted as being part of the Maplewood Mall, suggesting a specific retail or cultural focus within that shopping center.

What is the significance of the 'Hugedale' nickname in relation to the Mall of America?

The nickname 'Hugedale' was given to the Mall of America around its opening as a playful reference to its massive scale and its place among other prominent Twin Cities malls that shared the '-dale' suffix, such as Southdale, Rosedale, and Ridgedale Centers.

What types of transportation services connect to the Mall of America station?

The Mall of America station connects to multiple transportation services. These include the METRO Blue Line light rail, the METRO Red Line bus rapid transit, and various local bus routes operated by Metro Transit and the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA). Some hotels and casinos also offer shuttle services to the station.

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Overview

Location & Scale

Mall of America (MoA) is a vast shopping complex situated in Bloomington, Minnesota, within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. It is strategically located near the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Since its opening in 1992, it has held the distinction of being the largest mall in the United States, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and ranks among the top globally.

Visitor Demographics

Annually, approximately 40 million individuals visit the Mall of America. A significant majority, around 80%, are drawn from Minnesota and surrounding states including Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois, highlighting its regional draw.

Ownership & Management

The mall is primarily managed and owned by the Triple Five Group, a conglomerate associated with the Ghermezian family. This group also holds ownership of other major retail destinations, such as the West Edmonton Mall and American Dream Meadowlands.

History

Conception and Construction

The concept for the Mall of America was developed by the Triple Five Group, collaborating with architectural firms including DLR Group and Jerde Partnership. Construction commenced on the site of the former Metropolitan Stadium, home to the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, with groundbreaking in June 1989. The mall officially opened its doors on August 11, 1992.

Ownership Disputes

A significant legal battle over majority ownership occurred between Simon Property Group and the Ghermezian organization. Following a protracted six-year dispute, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of the Ghermezians in 2003, restoring their control. By November 2006, the Ghermezians secured full ownership by investing $1 billion.

Expansions and Developments

The mall has undergone several expansions. A notable $200 million expansion project, initiated in 2012, included additional retail space and a hotel. Further plans have included proposals for an indoor water park, approved by the Bloomington City Council in March 2022, underscoring continuous development.

Architecture

Design and Layout

The Mall of America boasts a gross area of 5.6 million square feet, with 2.87 million square feet dedicated to retail. Its symmetrical, rectangular floor plan features pedestrian walkways on three levels, with a fourth level present on the south and east sides. Four anchor department stores anchor the corners, complemented by numerous junior anchors and specialty shops.

Climate Control

Despite Minnesota's harsh winters, the mall's common areas are largely unheated, relying on passive solar gain through skylights above the central amusement park and heat generated by lighting and occupants. Air conditioning systems may operate even in winter during peak hours to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Parking Facilities

Extensive parking is available through two seven-story ramps on the east and west sides, providing over 12,000 spaces. Additional overflow parking and spaces shared with IKEA further accommodate visitor vehicles.

Tenants

Anchor Stores

The mall features major anchor tenants including Macy's and Nordstrom. It also hosts L.L. Bean and the Crayola Experience. A significant portion of the space formerly occupied by Sears remains vacant, presenting opportunities for future retail concepts.

Retail Mix

Beyond the anchors, the mall hosts a diverse array of junior anchors and specialty retailers such as H&M, Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom Rack, and DSW. Notable former tenants include Best Buy and Forever 21. The M&M's retail store opened in late 2020, replacing the American Girl store.

On-Site Hospitality

Two hotels are situated directly on the mall's property: the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and the Radisson Blu Hotel, providing convenient accommodation for visitors.

Attractions

Nickelodeon Universe

Located centrally within the mall, Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the United States. It features numerous rides, including roller coasters like the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge and Avatar Airbender, alongside other attractions and a miniature golf course, Moose Mountain.

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium

This aquarium offers an immersive underwater experience through a 300-foot tunnel, showcasing over 4,500 sea creatures, including sharks and rays. It also hosts special events and educational programs, catering to various visitor interests.

Nostalgia & Memorials

Baseball History

The mall preserves elements of its past as Metropolitan Stadium. A stadium seat marks the location of Harmon Killebrew's longest home run, and a plaque denotes the exact spot of home plate, connecting visitors to baseball history.

Football Tribute

A further memorial plaque within Nickelodeon Universe commemorates the 50-yard line used for coin tosses during Minnesota Vikings home games played at the former stadium.

Flight 93 Memorial

A memorial dedicated to the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed during the September 11 attacks, is located on the mall's west side. It includes a bust of Tom Burnett, a Bloomington native who was aboard the flight.

Transit Hub

Mall of America Station

Located in the eastern parking ramp, the Mall of America station serves as Minnesota's busiest transit hub. It connects to the METRO Blue Line (light rail) and the METRO Red Line (bus rapid transit), facilitating travel throughout the metropolitan area and beyond.

Connectivity

In addition to light rail and BRT, numerous local bus services operated by Metro Transit and MVTA converge at the station. Shuttle services also connect the mall to nearby hotels and attractions like the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

Safety & Security

Security Operations

Mall of America employs Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) trained to identify suspicious indicators related to people, vehicles, and unattended items. This proactive approach aims to mitigate potential threats, including terrorism and criminal activity.

Legal & Protest Context

The mall's security practices have faced scrutiny regarding potential civil liberties infringements. It has also been the site of significant protests, notably by Black Lives Matter activists, leading to legal actions and restraining orders, highlighting the intersection of public spaces, free speech, and security management.

Incident Response

The mall has experienced several notable criminal incidents, including murder attempts and shootings, which have prompted temporary closures and heightened security measures. These events underscore the challenges of maintaining safety in large public venues.

In Media

Film and Television

Mall of America has served as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows, including "D2: The Mighty Ducks," "Jingle All the Way," and the reality series "Mall Cops: Mall of America." Its distinctive environment provides a recognizable backdrop for various productions.

Cultural References

The mall is referenced in popular culture, including the TV series "How I Met Your Mother" and songs by artists like Lifter Puller. These references reflect its status as a significant cultural landmark.

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References

'Ground' broken on $325 million Mall of America expansion. Retrieved March 21, 2014.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mall of America Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding retail, tourism, or architectural matters. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Mall of America

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 📍

🗺️ Location & Scale

👥 Visitor Demographics

🏢 Ownership & Management

History ⏳

🏗️ Conception and Construction

⚖️ Ownership Disputes

📈 Expansions and Developments

Architecture 🏛️

📐 Design and Layout

☀️ Climate Control

🚗 Parking Facilities

Tenants 🛍️

⚓ Anchor Stores

🏪 Retail Mix

🏨 On-Site Hospitality

Attractions 🎉

🎢 Nickelodeon Universe

🐠 SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium

Nostalgia & Memorials ⭐

⚾ Baseball History

🏈 Football Tribute

🕊️ Flight 93 Memorial

Transit Hub 🚌

🚉 Mall of America Station

🔗 Connectivity

Safety & Security 🛡️

👮 Security Operations

⚖️ Legal & Protest Context

🚨 Incident Response

In Media 🎬

🎥 Film and Television

🎵 Cultural References

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Location & Scale

Visitor Demographics

Ownership & Management

History

Conception and Construction

Ownership Disputes

Expansions and Developments

Architecture

Design and Layout

Climate Control

Parking Facilities

Tenants

Anchor Stores

Retail Mix

On-Site Hospitality

Attractions

Nickelodeon Universe

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium

Nostalgia & Memorials

Baseball History

Football Tribute

Flight 93 Memorial

Transit Hub

Mall of America Station

Connectivity

Safety & Security

Security Operations

Legal & Protest Context

Incident Response

In Media

Film and Television

Cultural References

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice