Mall of America expanding again

By Kelsie Hoitomt

BLOOMINGTON, MN – The already largest mall in the United States is yet again expanding, a lot.

The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota opened in 1992 and was last renovated in 2010 with over 500 stores, 50 restaurants, a roller coaster theme park, large aquarium, Lego Land and more.

 The new plans for the MOA is part of a $2.5 billion expansion aided by a $250 million tax break approved this spring by the Legislature.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, when the renovations are complete, the mall will have nearly doubled in size.

Construction at the mall will result initially in 50 new shops, more eateries, another luxury hotel and an office tower. A NHL-sized skating rink and a water park are currently on the drawing board as well.

The MOA is said to attract over 40 million visitors a year with an additional 20 million more anticipated to come after the expansion. The next largest malls are in Pennsylvania, California and Florida.