Big Things Planned At Already Big Mall of America

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) - How do you supersize a megamall already brimming with more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants and its own roller coaster-boasting theme park? Add much more glitz.

Construction at Minnesota's Mall of America will result initially in 50 new shops, more eateries, another luxury hotel and an office tower. An NHL-sized skating rink and world class water park are on the drawing board, too.

It's part of a $2.5 billion expansion aided by a $250 million tax break approved this spring by the Legislature. When the expansion runs its course the mall will have nearly doubled in size.

Mall officials say the renovations keep the destination fresh. The mall attracts 42 million visitors annually and the expansion could lure 20 million more.