urbanMSP

I was a kid when the mall opened so I don't really recall but how was a connected hotel not a part of the mall's plans in the first place?

In some of the initial plans for the mall there were hotels and office components built in along with a submarine ride where the amusement park is. One of the designs was very futuristic with blue metal cladding, the mall was square shaped and something like 6 stories with a section at each corner that was taller. If I can find one of the old pictures I have I'll try to scan it. I think Triple 5 got into the construction and materials and such started to get more and more expensive so they scaled back, plus I think their overall wealth may have been exaggerated.

THIS is what MOA, Bloomington, the Twin Cities, and Minnesota in general needs for a hotel experience that will attract people from around the region/country!

http://www.weather.com/travel/vacationt ... t-20130220

We DO NOT need more Germans in speedos!

Ha! The perfect sky with puffy clouds at the edge of the water reminds me of The Truman Show.

We DO NOT need more Germans in speedos!

Do you have an adversion to Speedos? ROTFL!!

Article from the Business Journal which includes photos. I really like the way the exterior turned out.

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/n ... erica.html

Some very interesting furniture. I personally like it. It really stands out and makes an impression (especially the chair which appears to be the impression of a woman kneeling.)

Grand Opening is Thursday- I have an 'inside source' that says the floral will be marvelous

Here's the lobby:


Radisson Blu Lobby by MSPdude, on Flickr

^Looks like a throw back from the 70's but worse.

wowgross

They closed Lindau Lane. Does this mean that they have started the tunnel phase?

Yes, the tunnel is under construction, but I am unsure if the mall is going through with the Phase 2 expansion at this time.

Nine new stores slated to open:
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/203081971.html

I realize I may well be barking up the wrong tree here, but is this the right place for retail news (especially if it's not new construction)? I may be alone on this but I come on this site to learn about and talk about real estate development, not shopping (unless a new center is being proposed).

Nine new stores slated to open:
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/203081971.html

Nothing exciting here with the one exception Moods of Norway. The last time I was I in town I visited the MOA which was a huge mistake. Too many teens and stores one can find anywhere nowadays. Basically will avoid MOA in the future unless want to do some tax free shopping at Club Monaco.

I don't have much info but Finance and commerce (locked article) posted this story today.

Plans are taking shape for two new hotels, each topping 300 rooms, near the Mall of America in Bloomington.

Read more: http://finance-commerce.com/2013/04/hot ... z2QfC0Blwk

One I believe is the 10-13 story luxury hotel partn of Bloomington Central Station. The other one is possibly the 10 story Hampton Inn proposed over in the Normandale Lakes area.

I know the sign for the upcoming Hampton Inn at Normandale has been up for a while, I keep wondering when they're going to break ground.