Seven Ways National Harbor Appeals To Employees

Just south of the D.C. border, a gleaming mixed-use complex rises up from the banks of the Potomac. Walking along tree-lined promenades, visitors can spend the day shopping or relaxing at the plaza before catching the sunset from the 180-foot Capital Wheel.

Welcome to National Harbor.

The 300-acre mixed-use development has become synonymous with luxury and leisure, drawing in more than 11 million visitors annually. More than a getaway, National Harbor is home to 450K SF of office and medical space, with an ultimate build-out of 600K SF.

Combining the amenities and conveniences of urban living with an affordable solution to D.C.’s expensive office market, the array of waterfront buildings offers not just Class-A office space, but also access to the live/work/play atmosphere that is integral to the National Harbor experience. 

1. Proximity To D.C., Major Highways And Airports

National Harbor is a 15-minute car ride from D.C. and minutes from Maryland and Virginia. It is also directly accessible from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and Interstates 95, 495 and 295 as well as all major airports in the area. Capitol Hill, the Navy Research Lab, Joint Base Andrews and other major D.C. landmarks are minutes away. 

Young employees are attracted to the variety of transportation options. Commuters can hop on the NH2 Bus to King Street Metro in Alexandria, Virginia, and Uber is throughout National Harbor. 

2. An Eclectic Mix Of Dining Options

Whether grabbing a quick lunch with colleagues or wining and dining prospective clients, National Harbor offers an eclectic list of 40 restaurants. From Banh Mi to chicken and waffles, the dining options are varied, with every day offering a new dining experience. 

For employees grabbing a quick workday lunch, National Harbor offers staples like Subway, McDonald's and Chipotle. For an evening meal with clients, restaurants like Succotash, Rosa Mexicana and McCormick & Schmick's offer an elevated experience. National Harbor also plays host to three celebrity chef venues: Fish from D.C.’s José Andrés, Marcus from New York chef Marcus Samuelsson and Voltaggio Brothers Steak House from “Top Chef” alumni Bryan and Michael Voltaggio. 

3. After Work And Nightlife Activities

During the summer, visitors can stroll down to The Waterfront for "Movies on The Potomac," a free weekly al fresco film screening steps from dining establishments. Every Friday at 4 p.m. marks the start of “Summer Fridays,” a carnivalesque event with games like cornhole and giant jenga, as well as live musical performances and visits from the region’s hottest DJs.

The Capital Wheel, National Harbor’s iconic observation wheel, offers breathtaking views year round.

Visitors can grab an expertly mixed cocktail at Blossom, Felt or the Lobby Bar, part of the recently opened MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino. In addition to offering a 125K SF casino floor, the MGM also plays host to top musical artists and performers in its 3,000-seat theater.

4. Wellness Facilities And Outdoor Activities

Young professionals have placed an increasing emphasis on fitness and overall wellness, and offices have adapted to the demand with state-of-the art fitness centers and group exercise activities. At National Harbor, wellness is embedded into the community culture and amenities.

Workers can grab a bike and pedal down the Mount Vernon Biking Trail, or rent a kayak and paddle down the Potomac, taking in the sights while getting in a cardio session. No Excuse Workout, a free fitness class on the Plaza every Monday evening from May to October, offers lessons in kickboxing, Zumba and CardioHIT.

5. Hotels For Business Trips And Conventions

National Harbor boasts more than 3,300 hotel rooms spread across eight hotels with a range of rates, amenities and over 114K SF of meeting space. For large business conventions, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center offers 500K SF of state-of-the-art meeting space and 2,000 rooms. Its 19-story-high atrium, indoor gardens and luxury spa and salon can host corporate meetings.

6. Resort-Style Apartment And Townhouse Living

National Harbor is not just for commuters, attracting employees who want to live steps from both the office and a host of world-class amenities. The Esplanade, the first multifamily development to open at National Harbor, boasts open-concept studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom floor plans. Boasting a concierge service, a resident clubhouse, pool and fitness center, the building brings the amenities of a luxury resort to apartment life.

When The Haven opens in spring 2018, the property will offer similar features, along with sweeping views of the marina, the Capital Wheel and the Potomac.

At One National Harbor, Fleet Street or Waterfront Street, prospective tenants have the option of buying a high-end condo with waterfront views on the same street as the office.

For those looking to relocate families or seeking more space in a quieter part of the community, the brownstones at Potomac Overlook offer a blend of classic style, quality construction and urban energy. Residents can transition from a high-energy workday on National Harbor’s Fleet Street to a quiet riverside setting.

7. Convenient Access To Shopping

National Harbor has a diverse blend of more than 160 retailers. Spread across The Waterfront, Gaylord National Resort, MGM National Harbor and Tanger Outlets, experiences range from major retail excursions to various specialty shops. The world’s first physical Peeps store debuted at The Waterfront, and Sarah Jessica Parker used the MGM as a testing ground for a brick-and-mortar storefront version of her fashion line, SJP.

Office tenants have access to personal care services like dry cleaners and Harbor Medical Center & Urgent Care, as well as services like UPS, FedEx and CVS.

All of the office buildings at National Harbor offer waterfront views and build-to-suit floor plates made for C-level associations and small businesses. Combined with the amenities of National Harbor, businesses would be doing much more than leasing a new office.

“With its panoramic river views, accessible waterfront and Class-A space, National Harbor is one of D.C.’s best-kept real estate secrets, offering highly competitive office rates from the low $30/SF,” said Howard Jensen, vice president of office at Peterson Cos.

For leasing information, contact Howard Jensen.

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