Is the American Dream Miami at risk? The dispute that could delay the largest shopping mall in the U.S.

American Dream Miami, the megashopping center that would become the largest in the United States and the sixth largest in the world, is considered the most significant project in Miami-Dade County and a major boost for the local economy. The ambitious plan would generate around 14,000 new jobs once completed, with positions ranging from sales associates and cashiers to entertainers and cooks. Additionally, it is estimated that it would attract 30 million annual visitors and receive about 70,000 vehicles daily.

According to the Miami Herald, American Dream is facing a serious problem: the potential loss of a large part of the land needed for its construction. The project's developer, Triple Five (owners of Mall of America), is in a legal dispute with Graham Companies (behind the Miami Lakes project), the developer that initially agreed to sell Triple Five a 63-acre parcel in 2014 for the project, located on the outskirts of Hialeah.

Triple Five has been paying millions in extensions since 2014 to keep the agreement in force, but now, after 10 years, Graham is demanding new conditions and financial penalties. Triple Five has turned to the courts to avoid losing the land, arguing that the purchase agreement should remain in effect, partly due to the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the project timeline.

The dispute involves about a third of the total land needed for the megacenter, which would occupy 175 acres. The relationship between the two developers, who were once allies, has deteriorated. Graham now seems more interested in changing the use of the land to an industrial purpose, which would go against the original plan to build a giant shopping center with attractions like an indoor ski slope and an underwater lake.

In its lawsuit, Triple Five accuses Graham of wanting to "take the money and run," leaving Triple Five with millions in losses after years of investment in the project. The problem is compounded because Triple Five also needs large investments in infrastructure for the project to move forward, including the construction of roads and sewage systems that would benefit both its project and Graham's land. Additionally, Triple Five is seeking public funding and subsidies from Miami-Dade County to cover these costs.

County commissioners have postponed a vote on lifting a ban on subsidies affecting American Dream Miami, which also jeopardizes the project.

In summary, Triple Five is in a complicated position, as it not only faces the potential loss of a significant portion of the land, but also depends on subsidies and government support to continue the construction. Meanwhile, Graham seems to be re-evaluating the project and looking to change the land use, which has led to this legal dispute that could determine the future of American Dream Miami. Construction has not yet begun. Its current opening date remains late 2026 when these issues are resolved.

With an investment of over 4 billion dollars, the complex will not only include shops but also a theme park, an entertainment park, underwater activities, a ski slope, a Cirque du Soleil theater, a roller coaster, restaurants, and a hotel with 2,000 rooms.