ALBERTVILLE, Minn. - Forget Orlando. A new Hollywood-themed indoor family amusement park is coming to Albertville.
Sony Pictures, along with a Minnesota development company, will build the multi-million dollar project dubbed "Mall of Entertainment" off Interstate 94, next to the Albertville Premium Outlet malls.
According to the company's website devoted to the project, the venue will feature an interactive indoor waterpark, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Back-Lot "edutainment" experience and a 275-room Marriot Hotel, plus convention center.
Kevin Hanson, CEO of International Creative Capitol, said the reason they chose to build in Albertville was because of the current expansion of the west metro.
Hanson said the outlet mall currently attracts five million shoppers a year, yet the area lacks entertainment or hotel options, the closest being in Maple Grove.
According to the website, "the destination will be a special place where parents and children go to spend time together while they play, jump, climb, explore and learn about our world through the incredible and often breathtaking experiences."
Ben Block, who is handling media relations for the project, said the planning began as early as 2011.
Block said the project is slated to begin construction this spring or early summer and will be completed by the end of 2017.
