The $318 million United States Embassy was formally unveiled in Downtown Nassau on Friday evening as officials and guests celebrated the United States of America’s 248th independence in grand fashion. “This new facility is the United States’ physical commitment to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Caribbean region,” said J. Douglas Dykhouse, principal deputy director of Overseas Buildings Operations.
“We take this Fourth of July celebration to recognize how far this project has come and how close we are to completion. “From the construction contract signing in December 2018 to the groundbreaking in October 2019 to the topping out ceremony in ..
. 2021 we have worked through Hurricane Dorian, the COVID pandemic to get where we are today and we will continue to work hard to get the embassy staff into this building by the end of the year.” The project has an $80 million estimated local investment.
“This new facility is a model for energy and water efficiency and climate resilience,” Dykhouse added. “Well-insulated equipment saves energy while solar panels provide power. Rainwater collection will conserve water that will be used for the cooling system.
“Waste water is treated onsite and used to irrigate the vegetation that you see, and the durable materials that we used throughout will endure the test of time and will ensure that we do not have to replace them very often.” He added, “The art collection is a true cross-cultural collaboration featurin.