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Big question for ballpark: What view will fans have?

By Tim Lemke
Washington Business Journal
Updated: 8:00 p.m. ET June 26, 2005

Planners and sports officials for the Washington Nationals' new ballpark are wrangling with an issue that's often a deal-breaker in real estate transactions: the view.

After deciding to put the stadium at a South Capitol Street location, officials are now wondering: What backdrop should fans see when they look out over the field?

City and team officials, and architects are considering two options: a northeast orientation that puts the Capitol in view and a southeast orientation that provides a view of the Anacostia waterfront.

Mayor Tony Williams and other city officials say they prefer the Capitol orientation because it would put on display the city's most recognizable feature. But officials from the new Anacostia Waterfront Corp. say the Southeast option would enhance the ballpark's relationship with the riverfront.

The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission, which has the final say, is waiting on the results of an environmental assessment and does not yet have a preference. There may be a compromise that would allow visibility of the river and the Capitol, says Commission spokesman Tony Robinson.

Ballpark architect HOK of Kansas City, Mo., also is expected to weigh in. The architect could not be reached for comment. Nationals officials declined to comment.

Planners see the construction of new buildings on the east side of the Anacostia River as part of the broad waterfront vision. But, they realize such a view doesn't yet exist.

"The waterfront view would be nice, but we're still several years away from enhancing that," says Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Stan Jackson. "Having a view of the Capitol provides a very unique opportunity for fans."

Architects and planners also are looking at whether seats in the lowest levels of the stadium would have access to the best views facing the city.

Maureen McAvey, a senior fellow with the Urban Land Institute, which recently held an advisory panel on the site plan, says, "There was a question as to whether you'd be able to see the Capitol or city features."