National Harbor was already shaping up to be a pretty cool destination point with great hotels, eateries and peaceful views of the Potomac. And last week, the reasons to go just got better.
During the International Council of Shopping Centers Convention in Las Vegas, County Executive Jack Johnson announced that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts plans to build a 500-room venue on a 15 acre parcel of land at National Harbor.
Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and Milton V. Peterson, chairman, the Peterson Companies / Photo: Disney
County officials say the plan has been simmering over the last four years and would create the second stand alone Disney hotel resort (separate from the Disney theme parks) on the globe. Its counterpart is under construction in Hawaii.
“I am so pleased that Disney has selected Prince George’s County as the home for its latest entertainment resort,” Johnson said. “This shows that we understand what it takes to build confidence and attract a company like Disney. We are a first class county and our future is bright.”
The Peterson Companies, which created National Harbor, said Disney paid $11 million for the land. No timetable was given for the start of construction or the kinds of amenities that the new hotel will offer
"As we began identifying possible locations to grow our business, the Washington, DC area immediately jumped to the top of the list," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, in a statement last week. "National Harbor offers an array of entertaining activities for regional visitors, but it is also a family-friendly base camp, from which visitors from around the world can explore the stirring sights and inspirational stories of our nation's capital. We believe National Harbor has the unique opportunity to offer a new level of family-friendly hospitality."
Both Johnson and Peterson Companies Chairman Milton V. Peterson said Disney’s decision to move forward with the project, even in the midst of the current economic downturn, demonstrates the value of National Harbor and Prince George’s.
"We're thrilled Disney has decided to invest in National Harbor," said Peterson, in a statement last week. “Disney is the top family entertainment company in the world, and its purchase is a great vote of confidence in the future of National Harbor and the Washington area as a top family tourism destination."
--PGS Staff
|
