Operator News

US – MGM unveils Maryland designs

By Phil - 30 September 2013

MGM National Harbor, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, has now revealed architect’s renderings of the company’s vision for the destination resort it plans to build in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The MGM project is in direct competition with a project by rival Penn National Gaming, which wants to transform its existing Rosecroft Raceway into a casino resort.

MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren proudly unveiled the design at the company’s offices in National Harbor.

“MGM National Harbor offers a sophisticated architectural approach that addresses the area’s significant geographical and cultural history,” said Mr. Murren. “Knowing our resort will be the first representation of Maryland many visitors see crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, we designed something striking and beautiful, respectful of the opportunity to create an iconic gateway to Maryland.”

The project’s architecture is informed by the natural topography of its dynamic Maryland site, the iconic nature of nearby monuments, and their interactions with residents and visitors in this vibrant travel corridor.

From its hilltop location with striking panoramic views of the Potomac River, the monuments of Washington, D.C. and beyond, the entirety of MGM National Harbor is set on a 1,600-foot long stepped pedestal, designed to evoke the plinth of a grand monument. The pedestal is terraced into the landscape to incorporate a ninety-foot elevation change from the southwestern edge to the northeastern edge of the site, and gracefully move the eye from harbor level to the top of the plinth, creating a sense of respectful monumentality.

The piercing verticality of the streamlined high-rise hotel rises from the resort pedestal, precisely positioned to maximize sightlines to Washington, D.C. and the Maryland countryside.

Connecting the hotel tower to an outdoor terrace – much in the way the neighbouring highway physically and conceptually connects Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia – is a sweeping roof, made of a sleekly engineered, wing-like sheath, that appears to float over the glass-walled areas below. A dramatic skylight runs down the spine of the roof connecting the outdoor terrace and the hotel. During the day, the skylight allows refreshing natural light to filter into the gaming area below; at night, interior illumination spills out from the casino area, allowing the edges of the roof to glow dramatically.

The design allows the resort to operate at multiple scales, from the grand and instant recognizability of the stair-stepped pedestal to the intimacy produced by the luxuriously planted southern deck to the striking entrance, with its hint of the excitement and possibility that await.

Mr. Murren added: “MGM National Harbor will represent many things to many people. Like chapters in a novel, each destination within the resort – from a star chef’s restaurant to the rejuvenating spa to the high-end retail – is designed to provide a sense of discovery, elegance, and timelessness.”

Extending this vision are the tangible economic benefits the project will bring to the region. Thousands of construction jobs and permanent resort operations careers will be created in Prince George’s County, bolstered by MGM’s proven commitment to supplier diversity and the Company’s proven track record of working closely with minority business enterprises.

Before construction can begin, however, the Company must first be awarded the new gaming license for Prince George’s County. MGM National Harbor is one of three companies to submit proposals to the Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission. The Commission is expected to award the license by the end of the year.

Lorenzo Creighton, President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM National Harbor, said: “We are proud of our design and hope it reinforces to Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland that we’re ready to get to work. As we continue to engage with the local community, we remain confident that MGM Resorts is the clear choice to bring a destination resort to Prince George’s County. As the Commission continues its review of the submitted proposals, we are preparing for our public presentation to the community, where we’ll share our plans in detail. We’re confident both the Commission and local county residents will see that an MGM resort at National Harbor will deliver on every promise we’ve made to the community.”