National Harbor - News, Events, Updates, Questions and Developments Etc. (Baltimore: lease, closing)

[UrbanScholar]

In a previous thread a suggestion was made to begin a thread dedicated to the happenings at the National Harbor. As such, I created this thread to capture the aforementioned info on the Harbor. Maybe the same can be done for other major developments that have reoccuring threads. Let's Keep the conversation flowing.

[UrbanScholar]

Went to the National Harbor over the weekend and saw that Ketchup was closed. Although I am not a big fan, I was curious about what happened. According to comments on their facebook page, apparently they shut down temporarily to pursue a lawsuit against someone who embezzled money from that location. Not sure what one has to do with the other but if I hear anything else, I will post it here. I encourage others to do the same.

One question I have for the group is do you think that it needs to reopen? Why or why not? If it doesn't reopen what would you like to see there in its place?

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

Went to the National Harbor over the weekend and saw that Ketchup was closed. Although I am not a big fan, I was curious about what happened. According to comments on their facebook page, apparently they shut down temporarily to pursue a lawsuit against someone who embezzled money from that location. Not sure what one has to do with the other but if I hear anything else, I will post it here. I encourage others to do the same.

One question I have for the group is do you think that it needs to reopen? Why or why not? If it doesn't reopen what would you like to see there in its place?

When visiting NH it never screamed to me as a first choice. We still haven't gotten around to checking it out. Therefore, if it goes, we won't miss it. I think there are better entertainer-owned venues that would fair much better. I wouldn't mind a Planet Hollywood or a Hard-Rock-esq type establishment to keep the Hollywood connection. I had always envisioned a Rainforest Cafe at NH as well that would have complimented Disney and the Children's Museum. With Disney gone, it would still do well I think.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

When visiting NH it never screamed to me as a first choice. We still haven't gotten around to checking it out. Therefore, if it goes, we won't miss it. I think there are better entertainer-owned venues that would fair much better. I wouldn't mind a Planet Hollywood or a Hard-Rock-esq type establishment to keep the Hollywood connection. I had always envisioned a Rainforest Cafe at NH as well that would have complimented Disney and the Children's Museum. With Disney gone, it would still do well I think.

You are not missing much with Ketchup....Its overpriced for what they offer. That said, it would be good to see something else there. The signage on the doors/windows when I passed by made it appear that there would be something taking its place but apparently it's supposed to be temporary. If it takes too long I could see NH pulling their lease to put something else there. That is too premium a spot to let it sit empty. I thought about the Rainforest Cafe too since they are owned by the same company as M&S which is already there. It would have to be a big space since it is not a small restaurant. I also thought Downtown Aquarium (also owned by Landry's) would be a good option for bringing something that is not in the area to the Harbor. It would also compliement the Children's Museum while playing off the waterfront theme.

[tcave360]

You know what I wish to see at NH? An aquarium! I remember on the news a couple of weeks ago, they were talking about the National Aquarium underneath the Commerce Department downtown was closing its doors and that all of the creatures will be relocated to the National Aquarium in Inner Harbor. I was thinking at the time, wouldn't it be a lovely attraction to have a large-scale aquarium at National Harbor? I think an aquarium almost as big and grand (I love the architecture of both the original and new buildings) as the one in Baltimore would do further wonders for NH. Could generate a lot of revenue from tourists and metro-area visitors, make National Harbor even more aesthetically appealing from both a structural and destination standpoint, and I love the thought of Maryland having two major and well-known aquariums Btw, if there will ever be an aquarium in the future, which part of the Harbor would you guys like to see it rise?

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by tcave360

You know what I wish to see at NH? An aquarium! I remember on the news a couple of weeks ago, they were talking about the National Aquarium underneath the Commerce Department downtown was closing its doors and that all of the creatures will be relocated to the National Aquarium in Inner Harbor. I was thinking at the time, wouldn't it be a lovely attraction to have a large-scale aquarium at National Harbor? I think an aquarium almost as big and grand (I love the architecture of both the original and new buildings) as the one in Baltimore would do further wonders for NH. Could generate a lot of revenue from tourists and metro-area visitors, make National Harbor even more aesthetically appealing from both a structural and destination standpoint, and I love the thought of Maryland having two major and well-known aquariums Btw, if there will ever be an aquarium in the future, which part of the Harbor would you guys like to see it rise?

I agree. Although it would need to have a different spin from what you have at the Inner Harbor. That's why I mentioned the Downtown Aquarium since it combines dining with a full on aquarium. It would be a nice fit by the outside feature of the CM. Below is the link so you can see what I am talking about.

Downtown Aquarium - Denver, CO

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

I agree. Although it would need to have a different spin from what you have at the Inner Harbor. That's why I mentioned the Downtown Aquarium since it combines dining with a full on aquarium. It would be a nice fit by the outside feature of the CM. Below is the link so you can see what I am talking about.

Downtown Aquarium - Denver, CO

That could work and would further strengthen NH as a destination. Maryland would have two awesome harbors then!

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

That could work and would further strengthen NH as a destination. Maryland would have two awesome harbors then!

That's true. I actually just sent a suggestion to their community liaison. She is probably sick of my sending recommendations lol.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

That's true. I actually just sent a suggestion to their community liaison. She is probably sick of my sending recommendations lol.

Never know unless you try. I sent the UMD President recommendations and got a response!

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

Never know unless you try. I sent the UMD President recommendations and got a response!

That's true. Nothing beats a failure but a try.