Blue Butterfly Announces Partnership with Peterson Companies at National Harbor

Blue Butterfly is pleased to announce a new partnership with Peterson Companies at National Harbor, where we will serve as the third-party specialty leasing partner for the property.

Located along the Potomac River just outside Washington, D.C., National Harbor has evolved into one of the region’s most established mixed-use destinations, bringing together retail, dining, hospitality, residential, office, and entertainment in a highly active waterfront environment.

A Consistent, Built-In Customer Base

National Harbor benefits from a steady flow of visitors driven by both tourism and local demand. The property generates more than 15.2 million annual visits, supported by major regional draws including MGM National Harbor, Topgolf, Tanger Outlets, and the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

In addition to destination traffic, the property is supported by a meaningful on-site and surrounding population. The district includes thousands of hotel rooms, a growing residential base, and a workforce of more than 12,500 employees, creating activity throughout the day and into the evening.

This combination contributes to a level of consistency that is often difficult to replicate in traditional retail environments.

An Environment That Supports Experiential Retail

The physical layout and programming at National Harbor naturally support concepts that go beyond traditional retail. The open-air waterfront setting, combined with ongoing events and convention-driven traffic, creates opportunities for brands that rely on visibility, engagement, and discovery.

The property hosts 250 conferences and meetings annually, along with nearly 400 property activations and events, continually creating new reasons for consumers to visit and return.

For specialty leasing in particular, this environment allows for flexibility, testing, and the ability to connect with customers in a more immediate and interactive way.

Strong Fundamentals in the Trade Area

The broader trade area reflects strong underlying demographics, including a population base in the millions and an average household income of approximately $165,000.

Accessibility is also a key factor, with approximately 434,000 vehicles traveling daily across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, reinforcing both visibility and ease of access for local and regional consumers.

Together, these fundamentals support a wide range of retail concepts.

Continued Growth and Long-Term Relevance

Planned additions include new residential units, future office development, and an expanded entertainment district, all of which will continue to add density and activity over time.

This ongoing evolution is an important part of what keeps the property relevant for both consumers and retailers evaluating long-term opportunities in the market.

Looking Ahead

Through this partnership, Blue Butterfly will focus on introducing a curated mix of specialty retail concepts that complement the existing environment and reflect how consumers engage with places like National Harbor today.

For retailers exploring opportunities in the Washington, D.C. region, the property offers a compelling combination of visibility, activity, and flexibility within a well-established destination.

If you are interested in learning more about specialty leasing opportunities at National Harbor, we welcome the opportunity to connect.

Please contact:

Tracey Hatley Williams
thatley@bluebutterflyllc.com
678.910.8491