The ever-growing Ritchie Station Marketplace (RSM) has been a beacon for redevelopment in the Capitol Heights corridor.

In the pipeline is a 120-room hotel and a possible "Olive Garden" restaurant. Not a complete surprise based on its prime location. 

RSM is situated on the Capital Beltway (I-495/95), off of Ritchie Marlboro Road at Exit 13. It is centrally located and just five miles east of the DC border.

According to estimates, upwards of a quarter million cars pass the site daily. So, it makes sense that a hotel (and additional dines) are being pitched for the site that already includes a variety of retail, BJ's Wholesale Club, Pohanka Automotive, several fast-casual dines, and PGC's first Dave & Buster's.

MGM National Harbor opens December 8 and the unique retail offerings it will present are still somewhat of a mystery. Aside from mention of Louis Vuitton, they've been rather mum. 

But, what we do know is MGM is playing to win.  First serve is convincing "Sex In The City" star Sarah Jessica Parker to bring her fashion sense harborside. SJP, her shoes, dresses, handbags, fragrances & accessories brand, will open its very first storefront at MGM on December 9.

Introduced just two years ago, SJP shoes are carried at finer stores like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's. Going boutique with select offerings only avail at the MGM store is a major move for Parker (and MGM). This is the literal "jump off" with a second location under consideration for NYC. And, it would not be surprising, based on the relationship cultivated, for SJP to birth a Vegas sibling within the MGM portfolio. 

FROM SQUARE PEG TO FASHIONISTA: We're getting old(er). We remember little Ms. Jessica in her first true TV series in '82. She co-starred as an awkward, goofy teen in "Square Pegs", a short-lived CBS sitcom. Square Pegs was a humorous take on what its like to be driftwood (in a sea of popular kids) - as she and her bestie desperately try to fit in (braces and all) at fictitious Weemawee High.