In a demonstration of the U.S.-Lebanese “enduring friendship and important bilateral partnership,” U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard on Thursday broke ground on the new U.S. Embassy compound in Beirut, an Embassy statement said.
In her remarks at the ceremony, Richard said: “Breaking ground today on our New Embassy Compound is a strong message to the Lebanese people that we are with you for the long term. We intend to continue the spirit of cooperation and partnership that has defined our journey together for 200 years.”
The multi-building compound will be located in the suburb of Awkar on a 43-acre site. The compound will provide “a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern platform that supports U.S. Embassy staff in representing the U.S. Government to Lebanon and in conducting day-to-day diplomacy,” the Embassy said.
“That we are building a billion dollar facility on this site, overlooking your vibrant capital and the breathtaking Mediterranean, fills me with great optimism for the future. I hope you share that optimism – it is what fuels the next generation to continue the work that was done before them to build a secure, stable, and prosperous Lebanon,” Richard told the guests at the ceremony.
The facilities of the new compound represent “the best in American culture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution,” the Embassy said in it statement.
Professionals from the United States, Lebanon, and other countries will be working side-by-side to complete the new diplomatic facility.
Morphosis Architects of Culver City, California, is the architect for the project. B.L. Harbert International of Birmingham, Alabama is the construction contractor.
