Mall of America Getting $200-Million Expansion

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) - The Mall of America is moving ahead with plans for a $200 million expansion that could add a second hotel, more space and a medical-office tower.

A St. Paul Pioneer Press report says the project would be another step in the Bloomington megamall's long-planned, often-delayed expansion.

Kurt Hagen is an executive with mall owner Triple Five Group. He says his group is trying to lock down the final financing arrangements. He says if that happens, expansion could begin next spring.

Rochester's Mayo Clinic is interested in joining the latest project, which could include 150,000 square feet of medical space.

Hagen says his group is also working with other potential partners for hotel space and higher-end retail.

The mall currently has 4.2 million square feet of space.

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