Construction began today for a new U.S. Consulate General in the northern city of Matamoros in the state of Coahuila. Mexican officials, along with U.S. Charge d’Affaires to Mexico William Duncan and U.S. Consul General in Matamoros Angela Kerwin participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the $176 million project, which will be completed in May 2019.
The campus, designed by richard+bauer of Phoenix, Arizona, and PAGE of Washington, D.C., will be made up of several buildings, including a building for the Consulate’s offices, residences for the consulate community and residences for the U.S. Marines security staff. The design incorporates many cutting edge features of sustainable architecture, including energy efficient lighting, plumbing systems that minimize water use and rainwater harvesting.
The project will be led by the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO). Formed in 1999, the OBO has built 129 diplomatic facilities worldwide, and is currently working on another 55.
“OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. Government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives,” said the U.S. Embassy in a press release. “These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.”
