If you plan on visiting “The Awakening” any time soon, you’d best do it sooner rather than later. According to a recent Washington Post article:

“…the outdoor sculpture ‘The Awakening’ will be dug up from Hains Point, its home for the past 27 years, then barged and trucked to an undisclosed location where it will be cleaned and restored. Then, the 70-foot work, which depicts a giant struggling to emerge from the earth, will be planted in a new sandy beach on the other side of the Potomac River.”

The sculpture was purchased several years ago for $750,000 by a developer, Milt Peterson, who has grand plans to revitalize National Harbor:

“Sail-shaped banners line the Potomac waterfront, with moving images projected on the fabric. A retractable, 42-foot video screen stretches between two masts for outdoor movies. Stonehenge-like boulders alternate with larger-than-life bronze statues along the promenade leading to the water. In his mind’s eye, Peterson sees concerts, sailboat races, sunset cruises, fireworks, maybe even water ballet.”

Because the harbor is actually part of Maryland, you guessed it: DC is losing one of its landmarks. The Awakening will no longer be a part of DC which is kind of sad in my opinion. In its current location, it’s just within reach for most of tourists, walkable from the Mall (albeit kind of a long walk). With its new location in Prince George’s County, you can kiss that convenience goodbye. I think change can be good though, and if the harbor turns out as Peterson describes it, it may be a fun place to visit every once in a while.

So say your goodbyes, DC, and pray that no one sells the Washington Monument.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Max Cook

Hailing from the Mile High City, Max has also lived in Tinsel Town, the Emerald City, as well as the City of Brotherly Love. Now a District resident, he likes to write about cool photos by local photographers, the DC restaurant and bar scene, or anything else that pops into his mind.