While an extraordinary site certainly contributes to the success of a waterfront
project, the creation of a truly unique and special place requires the authentic desire
to embrace the natural setting and integrate it into a human-scaled setting that
engages the senses. This desire is ably achieved at National Harbor, an ambitious
300-acre urban mixed-use project perched along the Potomac River in Prince
George's County, Maryland.
For many years a neglected greenfield property, National Harbor now invokes
a dynamic quality that ultimately will encompass nearly 500,000 square feet of
office space, 2,500 residential units, 4,000 hotel rooms, a convention center,
luxury resort with marina, and over one million square feet of retail, dining and
entertainment offerings aligned with scenic parks, public spaces and a magnificent
collection of public art.
At no point during its more than 12 years of evolution did the master planning effort
compromise the connection to the water. All of National Harbor is oriented toward
the river, with the street pattern and building placement designed to provide physical
and visual access. Significant views and prominent landmarks are framed, including
famous monuments around the Washington DC metro area. The public can take full
advantage of the river since the 1.5 mile waterfront is accessed by Harborwalk, a
trail that is part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, as well as a marina,
a beach, an outdoor multipurpose stage area and two public piers. Residents and
visitors enjoy a continuous water experience from the tree-lined boulevards and
promenades. Inspired by Barcelona’s Ramblas, National Harbor's main street,
American Way, offers an animated streetscape that features fountains, kiosks, and access along its length fostered by open-air pedestrian ways through building footprints and courtyards.
As critical as its features and scale was the desire of the developer, The Peterson
Companies, to create a place that was extremely sensitive to the environment and
also economically sustainable. The design for National Harbor incorporates innovative
and extensive techniques and practices that minimize runoff and treat it on site, thus
ensuring the quality of the water moving into the river. Natural features were enhanced,
with the beaches replenished to increase public enjoyment, and natural elements
such as crushed stones and natural granite outcroppings utilized as focal points and
features. When originally approved in 1988, most of the shoreline was proposed as
bulkhead. The final design, however, successfully stabilized the area primarily with
a combination of stone revetment and beach. The foot of the stone revetment was
designed to create an undulating intertidal habitat, while a tidal wetland marsh was
established at the south end of the property.
Pier construction techniques minimized disturbance of the submerged vegetation,
shoreline and riverbed, with river navigation improved by careful dredging (dredged
material was used as fill on the site). Native vegetation was reintroduced to minimize
maintenance, increase longevity and restore the true nature of the site. A three-acre
urban forest was preserved near the center of the site, and is populated by native
oaks, sycamores and maples.
Amid this natural beauty, National Harbor has become a vibrant economic
hub that is expected to generate more than 5,000 jobs within its combined
commercial, residential, resort and entertainment centers. The 2,000-
room Gaylord Hotel and Conference Center already is capturing significant
conference business from around the country.
In essence, National Harbor has achieved its long-term vision of creating
a mixed-use urban community that effectively and efficiently meets the
area’s commercial, residential, retail and entertainment needs while carefully
embracing and preserving its picturesque natural setting.