Santo Domingo – The United States Embassy dedicated its new facilities located in the Arroyo Hondo sector, in a ribbon cutting ceremony presided by United States Ambassador, James W. Brewster and Dominican President, Danilo Medina.
Also in attendance for the dedication ceremony, was Undersecretary for Management, Patrick F. Kennedy and Principal Deputy Director of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, Heather Townsend.
During his opening remarks, Ambassador Brewster indicated the new compound represents an “important symbol of U.S. commitment and our lasting relationship with the Dominican Republic.”
Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Management, Patrick F. Kennedy thanked Ambassador Brewster and Principal Deputy Director of the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, Heather Townsend for their hard work and making this splendid new complex a reality. Kennedy also expressed his appreciation to President Medina and the Dominican Republic Government for their support of this construction from inception to final construction.
The first groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 28, 2011. The new compound, comprised of several buildings provides employees with a safe and modern work environment. Located in sixteen acres of land in the Altos de Arroyo Hondo sector, this new compound includes the Chancery, the U.S. Marine Corps residence, three pavilions of access, a support annex and community facilities.
The U.S. $193 million dollar project incorporates numerous sustainable features to conserve resources and reduce operating costs, including a 345 kilowatts (kW) photovoltaic array, light-emitting diode (LED), site lighting, and water reuse from an onsite wastewater treatment plant to irrigate site plantings. The construction will be virtually self-sustaining in the use of energy and water consumption.
The front structure of the compound houses the Consulate and areas that offer services to the public. In the center is the main structure, where the chancery is located and towards the back, are support facilities and administrative services.
Architects and Designers Moore Ruble Yudell of Santa Monica, California are responsible for the architectural design. While the company Integrus from Spokane, Washington are the architects of record. Also, Caddell Construction Company from Montgomery, Alabama was the construction company responsible for the multi building complex.
Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has completed 113 new diplomatic facilities around the world and currently has another 30 projects under design or construction.
The mission of the Office of Operations Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) is to provide safe, secure and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in achieving U.S foreign policy objectives. These facilities represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture and construction execution.
