NATIONAL HARBOR, MD—When describing the current state of regional casino hotel properties, John Rooney, project director of the $1.3-billion MGM National Harbor, refers to MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren, who once called these properties “a regional box of slots.” Rooney added, “These facilities are constructed very quickly and offer a low standard of product and customer experience.”
Rooney oversees the development and construction of MGM National Harbor, which is expected to deliver premier amenities and experiences for locals and travelers of the Capital Region. The luxury resort will offer a 125,000-sq.-ft. casino; an entertainment theater with seating for up to 3,000 people; high-end branded retail; 27,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; restaurants from celebrity chefs; a spa; and 308 guestrooms that draws its design cues from the region.
“This project sets a new benchmark for regional MGM properties,” said Rooney. “With strong ties to the Washington, DC, region, the design and architecture of this development will be monumental and iconic. MGM National Harbor represents a new prototype, not just for MGM Resorts International, but also for all regional resort casinos. What we’re building is as high or higher than anything customers will have seen before.”
Despite the heavy snowfall that slammed the Mid-Atlantic in January and February, MGM National Harbor remains on track for a fourth quarter 2016 opening, noted Rooney. The new-build development celebrated its topping off in January, when the final level was placed atop the highest point on the 24-story concrete structure. MGM Resorts International began construction on the project in May 2014. Since then, on average, about 1,100 workers have been active on the site each day.
Since Maryland gaming officials awarded MGM National Harbor with the state’s sixth casino license in December 2013, MGM Resorts International’s first large-scale resort on the East Coast has endured changes to its budget. The initial project cost was $925 million but since increased to $1.3 billion, as the global hospitality company touts, in published reports, that the project will become one of the most successful casino resorts outside of Las Vegas.
Situated just outside of Washington, DC, the full-scale, integrated luxury resort was designed to offer an entertainment, dining, shopping and gaming experience comparable to other MGM Resorts International’s properties on the Las Vegas Strip. MGM National Harbor aims to target key consumer groups, which include the full-service casino consumer; the non-gaming, entertainment lifestyle enthusiast; the “DMV”—DC, Maryland and Virginia regional locals; and international travelers familiar with the Las Vegas experience, according to the resort’s management.
“MGM National Harbor is located only 10-15 minutes south of the capital, which attracts 20-30 million visitors each year,” said Bill Boasberg, general manager of MGM National Harbor. “We plan on getting on the itinerary of those travelers. Our casino resort is going to be a must-see attraction in the DMV area. We plan to leverage MGM’s connections in the entertainment world and offer world-class experiences such as MMA [mixed martial arts]or boxing events.”
Located in Prince George’s County in Maryland, along the Potomac River, MGM National Harbor is accessible from the Capital Beltway and public transportation via the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metrobus.
Offering views of the nearby Potomac, the guestrooms feature a contemporary interior design inspired by the historic area, national icons and natural scenery of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. Designed by New York-based Studio GAIA, the rooms will feature light-colored woods; monochromatic earth tones; floor-to-ceiling windows and millwork; functional desk space; and seating along the window wall. Guest bathrooms will feature floor-to-ceiling millwork similar to that of a yacht’s interior, while dual-vanity sinks will be set within a polished black countertop.
“The entire design is amazing,” said Boasberg. “We wanted to accentuate who we are in the Capital Region. I think guests are going to be blown away by the views of the Potomac River. Each of the uniquely designed guestrooms will be flooded with natural light.”
MGM National Harbor will offer a lineup of celebrated chefs, including Marcus Samuelsson, José Andrés, and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, to lead its culinary program. Each new concept has been carefully crafted to pay homage to the culture and influence of the region’s culinary landscape.
Known for dining destinations in Washington, DC; Beverly Hills, CA; Las Vegas; Miami; and Mexico City, Andrés will introduce his first seafood concept at MGM National Harbor. Making his Capital Region debut, Samuelsson will present distinct, coastal flavors of the local landscape. And, the Voltaggio brothers, natives of Frederick, MD, will collaborate for the first time to open a contemporary steakhouse.
“The Capital Region has become a thriving food destination with many of the best chefs in the world contributing to our restaurant scene,” said Boasberg. “As a company, MGM has partnered with celebrity chefs. We have selected incredible talent to create an unparalleled dining experience at our resort.”
Announced at press time, the resort’s public areas will showcase a permanent collection of high-quality art commissioned and procured by local and international sculptors, photographers and mixed-media artists. The Heritage Collection will include a 7-ft.-tall, stainless-steel “Cinderella Shoe” in the retail promenade, and three, 60-ft.-tall stainless-steel sculptural figures in the porte cochere.
An unparalleled art program that exemplifies the diversity of the region and captures the spirit of MGM National Harbor, while also being accessible and engaging for everyone, has been a part of our vision from the very beginning,” said MGM’s Murren. “Art is one of the cornerstones of the sensory experience at our resorts, creating environments that are interesting, exciting and distinct.”
Built under design specifications of U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED) Gold Certification standards, MGM National Harbor reflects MGM Resorts International’s commitment to sustainability. The development is striving to achieve 97% construction recycling content, 95% design recycled content and use of regional material.
From an operational standpoint, the property is targeting 35% energy efficiency. Motion sensors in each guestroom will automatically adjust temperature and lighting to save energy when guests are not present. Advanced technology in all guestrooms will recall guests’ temperature and lighting settings when exiting the room, and resume those settings upon their return. Guest bathrooms will integrate sustainable features such as LED lighting in the oversized mirrors and custom polished chrome low-flow, water-saving fixtures.