Maybe it is "nothing more than lipstick on a pig, but New Jersey officials want to see a different face on the exterior of the long-stalled American Dream super mall project before next year’s Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium," according to Ted Sherman of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. Developers conceded that the "sprawling, unfinished structure" once known as Xanadu "will not be completed before the big game next February." But the state said that with "construction slated to finally resume later this year ... it is looking for at least a change in the look of the garish and incomplete entertainment and retail complex before guests come to town." N.J. Gov. Chris Christie has "long been looking for better curb appeal before all eyes were focused on the Meadowlands for Super Bowl XLVIII." Developer Triple Five spokesperson Alan Marcus said that "even unfinished, the building will be made available to event organizers next year for the Super Bowl, depending on construction timetables." He said, "We do fully intend to be prepared and able to host and support Super Bowl-related events as needed to assist the host committee and others." Triple Five still "does not control the site, and until it settles its dispute with" the Giants and Jets it is "unlikely to proceed with financing" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 2/19).
