Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, has signed an agreement to develop a $130 million Radisson Blu hotel with Mortenson Development Inc. in Minneapolis. The 501-room hotel will be a cornerstone of the Phase II expansion of Mall of America. Construction of the hotel is expected to begin in December 2010 and its opening is planned for late 2012.
The Radisson Blu Hotel at Mall of America will be the second Radisson Blu to open in the U.S. Chicago's Aqua skyscraper is home to the first Radisson Blu, expected to open in fall 2011.
The Radisson Blu Hotel at Mall of America will be the first hotel connected by sky bridge to Mall of America and will be located on the south side between Macy's and Bloomingdale's department stores. The hotel will feature more than 23,000 square feet of meeting space, including two ballrooms. Also on site will be a restaurant and lounge, spa and fitness facilities, and an indoor pool. The hotel will be three miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown via the city's light rail system.
