National Harbor - News, Events, Updates, Questions and Developments Etc. (construction jobs, buying)

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Khemistry

Parx DEFINTELY has the design I was envisioning for MGM... at least with the flashy lighting. That's exactly what I was griping about in my post. I wanted MGM to have something colorful like this. It's flashy but not Vegas crazy. I think it's pretty good looking. I don't know, MGM may actually have some competition, if only just for design choice.

Judging from the lighting of the Parx, I imagine the light pollution will drive those living nearby crazy with it being smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

[adelphi_sky]

A few more tidbits on the design. It's starting to sound bettr and better. The fountain turned ice-skating rink in the winter? Awesome idea MGM! Notice the reference to the Lincoln Memorial.

The design takes advantage of the significant slope, rising 90 feet on a 5 percent grade, on which the MGM site sits. A plinth — imagine the steps leading into the Lincoln Memorial — will mask a seven-story parking garage. An 18-story hotel tower at the northern end will hold between 400 and 500 rooms. A large reflecting pool will host fountains during the warmer months, and ice skating in the winter. A skylight will run from one end of the property to the other. A conservatory will remind visitors of a similar feature at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The casino floor will run more than 100,000 square feet.


Edward Abeyta, HKS senior vice president, said his marching orders were to design something modern, iconic and “respectful and complimentary” to the regional culture and history.

I guess the Parx is not being respectful. lol


Read more: http://www.bizjournals.com/washingto....html?page=all

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

I sorta see it now. That long strip down the middle is like the Mall. The tower is the Capital. The large pool is the Lincoln Memorial. The edges of the "wing is like the beltway. Would be interesting to see the inside. See if one side has all things Maryland and the other Virginia. Or if they name certain parts of the building that way.

Yep you are right...That is abstract I wouldn't have thought about that but that is why I am not an architect lol. Like the symbolism though. I think that they will find a way to pay nods to the regions.If I were in there shoes I would. It would be a good way to keep people in the resort.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

Okay. Here we go. Which one will win? You decide! lol

First up, Penn National at Rosecroft Raceway



Parx by Greenwood Racing


MGM National Harbor


Note: The more I look at the entrance, it does look more like an entrance to a museum. lol

No contest MGM............if by some longshot Parx gets it you will see me on the news chained to a tree on the property....Its way too flashy and would become dated quickly. Not to mention the fact that the intersection that it sits on is highly impractical for that type of development.

[Dmvwhatup]

What are the neighborhoods outlying national harbor like....are they still a little grimy or turning into more of a house flipping market?

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Dmvwhatup

What are the neighbors outlying national harbor like....are they still a little grimy or turning into more of a house flipping market?

Grimy? Really? lol

Check this thread out: https://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...-buy-home.html

[Dmvwhatup]

You hear alot of bad news about Oxon Hill. I am familiar with Ft. Washington.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by Khemistry

Meh. It's 'decent' but nowhere near what I was envisioning. I realize that we can't have Vegas in Suburbia, but I was expecting some a bit more 'grander' (no pun intended) and flashier. I was under the impression MGM stated the complex would bear a strong resemblance to their other casinos... or perhaps they just mentioned it would be up to the same standards of quality?? This proposal looks like a performing arts venue or some sort of convention center. I would never think this was a casino. Perhaps that's precisely what they were going for, but it doesn't do well for my associative thinking process. At any rate, I hoping for the use of colored LED lights to surround the structure, to create a soft-to-the-eyes but beautiful light show at night. See the photo I've posted of the Kennedy Center at night with their Northern Lights theme. Use something similar or maybe a color cycle throughout the night or even some sort of rainbow effect. I may very well be on the minority for such a thing, but it seems like with this thing being near the waterfront and off a major interstate, that is one thing that really draws attention and will look beautiful from near or afar.



The MGM complex reminds me of the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal redevelopment in Hong Kong. It sits on the runway of the former and world famous Kai Tak International Airport. It's not an exact match by any means, but for some reason I see a resemblance... except that the Kai Tak design is better and the CGI night scenes somewhat show some of the lighting effects I was hoping for.



Anyway, I guess it's acceptable. Like a few others have stated, it will have to grow on me and it might very well do so. Just seems kind of cold and subdued for what I was expecting or hoping for.

The problem would be that the surrounding community would not go for flashy. Even with the referendum win and an understated design you are still going to see a wave of resistence...That's what held the National Harbor up for 30 years and why Tanger is opening in November, and why Wal-Mart is at a stand still.I wouldn't have a problem with something a little more grand but the locals would probably shut that down.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

I hear you. That's what I thought at first, but now I realize they were going for a more monument/museum feel. WHen you look at the night scene in the video, you can imagine you're coming up on another museum the way the lighting is situated around it. The entrance looks like you're going into another museum as well. The white marble mixed with glass, etc. Concerning color, I think the fountains will use colored lighting. At least I hope so. And I'm sooooo glad they added fountains.

Yeah I was hyped about the fountains too. especially since it was originally a no go.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

A few more tidbits on the design. It's starting to sound bettr and better. The fountain turned ice-skating rink in the winter? Awesome idea MGM! Notice the reference to the Lincoln Memorial.



I guess the Parx is not being respectful. lol


Read more: Check out MGM's 'sophisticated' plans for National Harbor - Washington Business Journal

Sounds cool. Way to get more community buy in........It will be interesting to see how they expand upon this at the community hearing in Oct.