NEW US EMBASSY COMPOUND TO BE OPERATIONAL BY APRIL 2005
ArmenPress
Dec 23 2004
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: The US embassy in Yerevan told
Armenpress that the construction of the new embassy compound is
scheduled to be completed in March 2005. They Embassy will be fully
operational in April 2005, when the embassy plans to move out of its
current building on Baghramian Street in downtown Yerevan.
The Embassy grounds, located on the right side of Etchmiadzin-Yerevan
highway comprise 9 hectares – in terms of land occupied, this is one
of the largest Embassy compounds in the world.
Besides the main chancery, there are two compound access control
buildings, a two-story annex with offices and technical work areas,
a warehouse, and a Marine Security Guard residence. On the lower
level of the site we hope to eventually build recreation facilities.
All US Government sections and agencies will be co-located at the new
chancery except for Peace Corps and some of our Agriculture program
office. Our staff is not getting larger as a result of the move, but
all of our current employees (70 Americans and more than 400 local
staff) will finally have adequate workspace. The consular section and
public areas will also be much larger so that there is room for all of
our visitors and customers – no more standing in lines on the sidewalk.
The buildings on the compound are designed to be modern,
state-of-the-art, and secure. They are built to meet the highest US
standards and reflect the latest is seismically safe architecture.
The Embassy is intended to be a fine example of US Architecture and
mechanical design, while providing spacious, functional workspace for
all of our employees. The main Chancery building is five stories
tall. All the other buildings are two stories.
Currently there are 796 construction specialists, engineers and
security personnel working at the new embassy site. This includes
644 Armenian craftsman, 84 Turkish and 38 Philippine commercial
construction specialists, with 30 American staff members. Workers
from other countries were brought in for special skills not available
among the local workforce.
Many have worked on other US Embassy projects across the world. As
a part of the project in Yerevan, the Embassy invested more than
a quarter of a million dollars to establish a training program for
Armenian craftsman, teaching them the advanced construction skills
needed for this type of project. One hundred and twenty-six local
construction specialists graduated from the program, providing Armenia
with a new cadre of skilled workers who will help make this sector
of Armenia’s workforce internationally competitive.
Construction began in September 2002 after almost ten years of
planning. In total the project budget is $80 million. Through
employment and direct purchase of materials, much of that sum has
been directly invested in the Armenian Economy.
The new embassy building is testament to the commitment of the U.S. to
stay and work with Armenia for many years to come. “Drawing on the
strength and intelligence of the Armenian people, we are confident
that much can, and will, be accomplished toward building a truly
independent, democratic, and prosperous Armenia.” the embassy said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress