We sought to design a monumental landmark that the community can be proud of
– Eddie Abeyta, HKS principal and design director

Hotel giant MGM Resorts International has opened its latest luxury resort in America; the US$1.4bn (€1.7bn, £1.4bn) MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Located on a site overlooking the Potomac River, the 1.7 million sq ft (158,000sq m) mixed-use development took three years to build and is conceived by MGM as “an entertainment destination offering an unrivalled collection of attractions.”

Architectural firm HKS Hospitality Group oversaw the project, aiming to incorporate a modern and stylistic approach to the design of the 24-storey structure, while at the same time adopting influences from the district’s architectural traditions.

A main tower, which houses the hotel, evokes the slanted, sharp-edged form of the nearby Washington Monument and provides panoramic views of the National Harbour, Old Town Alexandria and Capitol Hill. It is rotated 33 degrees from the project’s axis to be parallel with the National Mall, “deepening the relationship” between the site and the heart of Washington D.C.

“We were inspired by the site’s high-profile hilltop and waterfront location where Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia all come together, and we sought to design a monumental landmark that the community can be proud of,” said HKS principal and design director Eddie Abeyta.

“Due to MGM National Harbor’s high visibility and nearby proximity to the capital, our architectural vision embodies a modern, bold and progressive design, while respecting the traditions of the District’s architecture and sense of place.”

The resort’s focal point is its casino and gaming area, which covers more than 125,000sq ft (11,600 sq m). One month after opening to the public, it has already taken in over US$48m (€45m, £38.5). Other components of the development – created by several architecture and design firms – include a 3,000 seat theatre, a range of 15 dining options and 18,000sq ft (1,670 sq m) of high-end shopping.

The MGM hotel – with interiors designed by Studio GAIA and KNA Design – embraces the surrounding area with warm, monochrome tones and natural wooden interiors in each of the 234 guest rooms intended to reflect the green landscape and Potomac River, which can be seen from the hotel.

In order to create “a soothing and luxurious VIP environment,” the designers added features such as an 80ft (24.3m) tall glass conservatory and a 30ft (9m) hand-blown glass and bronze cascading chandelier.

Outside, the Potomac Plaza, overseen by landscape designer Mahan Rykie, accommodates both indoor and outdoor dining on a cantilevered roof deck.

The resort’s 27,000sq ft (2,500sq m) spa and salon created by Daroff Designs has 11 treatment rooms for guests to unwind – offering a “deluxe relaxation experience” to the region. There are separate men’s and women’s spas, steam rooms and saunas; a full-service salon; a deluxe fitness centre; couples’ suites, a hydrotherapy room; a Vichy room; a barber shop; and retail space. Skincare brand Clarins has designed the treatment and products and WTS has designed the spa concept and is operating the facility.

MGM Resorts International operates a portfolio of destination resort brands across the world, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. It is famous both for its casinos and for the stars who perform shows and residencies at its properties. Bruno Mars, Cher, Ricky Martin, Sting, Lionel Richie and Duran Duran are scheduled to make appearances at the MGM National Harbor.

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