Monday, October 31, 2011
The U.S. Buys Land for a New Embassy in Mexico City
U.S.
Department of State
Ambassador Anthony Wayne, on behalf of the
U.S. Department of State, signed a contract with Colgate-Palmolive, S.A. de C.V., to acquire property in the New Polanco area
of Mexico City in order to construct a new United States Embassy to replace the existing building on Paseo de la Reforma.
This investment is another demonstration of the United States' commitment to strengthening its bilateral relationship
with Mexico.
Ambassador Wayne said, "While our current embassy has
for decades been an iconic presence on one of the city's preeminent boulevards, we are also thinking about the future
needs of those helped by the U.S. diplomatic and consular representation in Mexico. The new site and the facilities
that will be constructed there will offer greater space, accessibility, and flexibility for us to meet the needs of both American
citizens and of our Mexican visitors, including visa applicants. It will also permit the construction of an energy-efficient
chancery, very much appropriate given the demonstrated commitment of both the United States and Mexico to cooperate in protecting
the environment."
The new embassy will be an energy-efficient facility
that will meet 21st century standards of security and functionality, while presenting an accessible, welcoming appearance
to the people of Mexico. When the new property is constructed, all security features will be self-contained within the property
boundary. The Polanco site, which comprises over six hectares on Presa de la Angostura in Colonia Irrigación, offers
flexibility in terms of design and long-term expansion opportunities that are not present at the embassy's current location
on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma.
The Polanco site was chosen due to its
location, with proximity to government offices, services, and major residential areas. The existing embassy compound
on Reforma, as well as any excess land at the new site, will be offered for sale at a later date.
Colgate will have three years to prepare the property for development before transferring title and possession of
the site. Construction is estimated to begin in summer 2015, with a projected summer 2019 completion date.
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Press release, Oct. 27, 2011, Embassy
of the United States-Mexico City
