Photograph of J. Seward Johnson, Jr.’s The Awakening (previously) located at Hains Point, Washington, D.C. Photographer: Ryan Sandridge
The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center will come to life in Prince George’s County next month, providing a stark comparison to the lost opportunity and promise of DC’s own convention center. To add insult to injury, National Harbor snatched “The Awakening” straight out of District soil in Hains Point to become the centerpiece of the MD gateway, and hosted the Nationals 2008 fundraising gala. And look what else is coming, according to the Washington Business Journal:
This initial phase will house some 330,000 square feet of retail — including 10 to 12 restaurants as well as an entertainment district — all to be completed in a year. The developer has firm commitments on 60 percent of the first phase of retail space, with most retailers signing three- to 15-year leases and receiving tenant improvement allowances.
Some District businesses are opening new locations in National Harbor, such as the U Street favorite Cake Love. In addition to the 2,000 rooms at the Gaylord Hotel, there will also be a Hampton Inn and a Westin.
Compare to our own Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where it took years for the first shops to open, and the small amount of retail space included in the building (and not well thought out) has yet to be filled. A few months ago, a deal was finally announced to bring in a long-expected convention center hotel — in 2011!
Meanwhile, the bold owners of the few small businesses that opened on the 7th and 9th Streets, such as Breakwell’s Coffee and D’Vine Bakery & Cafe, are struggling to survive. Those located within the convention center itself are reportedly engaged in disputes over their lease stemming from the expensive build out expenses that were placed on the owners. Vacant property continues to line the surrounding area.
The District is already losing business to its new Prince George’s competition. According to The Washington Informer:
The District’s hotel, the 1,300-room Marriott Wardman Park on Connecticut Avenue, NW, has lost three events to the Gaylord–two military-related shows and a major computer software company’s meeting, according to its general manager. He reported that losing the three annual shows cost him $6 million a year in room revenue, food and beverages, and banquets.
The loss of tax revenues will also impact District of Columbia coffers. National Harbor will pump nearly $1 billion in tax revenues into Prince George’s County during the next 30 years.
UPDATE 4/11: And the Washington Post, in an article noting that National Harbor has now also taken Cirque du Soleil from the District, says:
The lavish resort has garnered many of the reservations that would have gone to the District’s hotels and Convention Center.
It seems that our conventioneers, our local businesses, even our public art, and, most importantly, our chance to make a lasting improvement in the heart of DC, were stolen right out from under our nose. How did this happen? When Washington Harbor opens will DC have an awakening?
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