U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar joined U.S. Consul General in Guadalajara Amy Scanlon, along with representatives from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) and Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Mission personnel, and Mexican officials, at the formal dedication of the new U.S. consulate general in Guadalajara. The new consulate will formally begin offering services to the public later this summer. This ribbon cutting is the first in a series of upcoming U.S. embassy and consulate project completions in Mexico.
The new facility integrates design elements that blend seamlessly with the local environment, emphasizing functionality and sustainability while drawing inspiration from local architectural customs. To accommodate the anticipated increase in consular demand, the consulate features an increased number of consular windows to better serve visitors and expedite services. Vibrant art installations enliven the indoor waiting area and the outdoor overflow space, where visitors can find shelter under natural palapa shading, paying homage to local traditions. The result is a consulate that not only meets the operational needs of the diplomatic mission but also serves as a model of innovation and responsible development in international diplomacy.
The new consulate prioritizes environmental stewardship through advanced energy and water-efficiency measures, including solar panels, a wastewater treatment system, innovative stormwater management, and drip irrigation for all landscaping needs. The landscape uses locally sourced drought-tolerant plants minimizing watering requirements.
The Miller Hull Partnership of Seattle, Washington was the design architect; B.L. Harbert International of Birmingham, Alabama constructed the consulate; PAGE Architects of Washington D.C., served as architect of record. Throughout the project, an estimated $66 million was invested in the local economy and more than 1,880 Mexican workers were employed during its construction.
The United States and Mexico have a consequential bilateral relationship directly impacting millions of citizens through trade, joint security efforts or tourism activities. Within similar timeframes OBO has undertaken five major builds across Mexico: four new consulates located in Hermosillo Guadalajara Merida Nogales; plus a new embassy situated within Mexico City premises.The new compound within Guadalajara represents long-term commitment towards sustaining bilateral relations between both nations whilst ensuring permanent presence regionally
Learn more about this project here.
OBO provides effective facilities for United States diplomacy abroad since starting its Capital Security Construction Program back during1999 completing179new diplomatic facilities worldwide alongside maintaining over50active projects currently either designed or under construction globally
For further information please contact Meghan Sebold via email at OBOExternalAffairs@state.gov or visit www.state.gov/obo.
