Sneak peek of proposed MGM casino at National Harbor

'The design is influenced by the natural topography of the dynamic Maryland site, the iconic nature of nearby national monuments, and their interactions with residents and visitors in this vibrant travel corridor,' MGM Resorts International says in a statement. (Courtesy MGM Resorts International)
A sweeping roof will connect the hotel tower and conservatory with the outdoor terrace. (Courtesy MGM Resorts International)
"The resort design operates at multiple scales, but nowhere is this more evident than at the guest's arrival experience; from the grand and instant recognizability of the stair-stepped pedestal, the vastness of the 18-story glass-walled tower, to the intimacy produced by the luxuriously planted southern deck," MGM says.(Courtesy MGM Resorts International)
"The piercing verticality of the streamlined high-rise hotel rises from a resort pedestal and is precisely positioned to maximize sightlines to Washington, D.C. and the Maryland countryside," MGM says.(Courtesy MGM Resorts International)
(Courtesy MGM Resorts International)
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WASHINGTON — More details have been released about the proposed MGM National Harbor, which, if approved, could change the face of Prince George’s County, officials say.

The mammoth project would sit atop a 1,600-foot long stepped pedestal designed to mimic the plinth of a monument. It will have panoramic views of the Potomac River and national monuments.

“MGM National Harbor offers a sophisticated architectural approach that addresses the area’s significant geographical and cultural history,” says MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren in a statement.

“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 proposed resort will anchor one side of the National Harbor mixed-use development. Inspiration was taken from Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s 1791 plan for building D.C., particularly his emphasis on natural light, according to a news release. A sweeping roof that will run between the outdoor terrace and the hotel tower and conservatory will filter light into the resort during the day and appear to be glowing from interior lights at night.

MGM is waiting for a gaming license from Prince George’s County before construction can begin. The Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission is expected to award the license by the end of the year, the company says.

Watch a video of the proposed resort below:

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