BLOOMINGTON, Minn.--On Tuesday real estate developer Nader Ghermezian announced a $1 billion addition to the Mall of America.
"We know the Mall is already 4 million square feet," Ghermezian said at a packed press conference held in Camp Snoopy, the Mall's theme park. "We just think that 8.2 million square feet has a nicer ring to it, you know?"
Ghermezian says the plans for the expansion include three more Gap department stores, another Victoria Secret, a casino that would be one of the largest in the state, an additional 800-room hotel, an airport, a car dealership, a grocery store, condos, two football fields, a university campus, a Catholic church, and an additional Hot Topic.
"We just think it would be really good for the economy," Ghermezian said. "Besides, haven't you always wanted to get the latest cotton tee from Gap and then take a quick swim and buy a car and meet your relatives at the airport and take a college course before buying your daughter a dog collar at Hot Topic on your way to St. Jesus Mary and Joseph's Catholic Church for a little communion chaser?" Ghermezian smiled as flashbulbs popped. "I know that I always need a little Jesus in my stomach after a hard day at the Mall."
Former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, resting at his family's ranch, said he likes the idea of the mall expansion.
"The only thing they're missing is a brothel," Ventura said. "If they're going to act like Vegas, they might as well get a brothel. And I will certainly be sure to invite Tim Pawlenty [the current Republican governor of Minnesota]," Ventura said, laughing. "At least then he could take a break from boning his 'nanny', right?"
