Residents of Old Town Alexandria stare across the Potomac River at the enormous cranes that are building the new 300 acre National Harbor Resort Community and shake their heads.  This area, once a tree covered shore, began to take shape as the final section of the Wilson Bridge was completed.  Now the dozens of cranes that are dedicated to building the resort are clearly evident along the shore.

The project scheduled to be completed in April 2008 is estimated to cost $2 Billion dollars.  Gaylord Hotels has announced they are building a convention center hotel with 2000 rooms making it the largest hotel on the east coast.  The plan includes over 2500 luxury condos overlooking the Potomac River and to date one of the first condo projects has sold out their initial offering of 225 condos. 

The developer of National Harbor, Milt Peterson had a dream to build a resort that resembled the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona Spain.  With shops, homes, restaurants and hotel all built around pedestrian friendly walkways. It appears that his dream is coming true.

The business impact on Old Town Alexandria, Del Ray and the West End are still unknown.  Part of the Peterson's plan includes creating a water taxi service from National Harbor to Old Town Alexandria.  Residents of the area are concerned that this may change the face of Old Town from the small sleepy shopping and dining area that it has been known for to a tacky tourist trap. 

Anyone who knows the traffic problems that already exist in Old Town and the areas surrounding the Wilson Bridge don't need a crystal ball to know that once National Harbor is completed that there will be a serious impact on traffic, the environment and the overall feel of the area.