By Nicholas Von Mertens
In August, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) purchased an 11-acre property in Mauritius to build a new embassy in Port Louis. The new multi-building compound will be located in the Bagatelle precinct in the island center and is part of the Moka Smart City master development of Port Louis. This development will embrace the best practices of environmental sustainability, urban planning, transit, and technology.
“The purchase of this land is a strong message to the Mauritian people that we are with you for the long term,” said Ambassador David Reimer. “The [United States] and Mauritius have a strong economic and security partnership, and this new embassy provides a platform to continue our cooperation.”
While construction will not commence for a few years, the site acquisition symbolizes the commitment to Mauritius and establishes a U.S. presence for decades to come. The U.S. government will invest more than $250 million to plan, design, and build the new U.S. embassy. The investment will support U.S. and local businesses and spur further development of the area.
“We have been in conversations with the embassy since 2014. During that time, its representatives have witnessed the growing popularity of Bagatelle and are confident that it’s a sound investment,” said ENL Property’s Business Development Director Thierry Rey. “We share a common desire to build sustainable developments and create a long-term vision for the good of the country.”
The new embassy will incorporate architecture, design, and art to exemplify the enduring bilateral relations between the United States and Mauritius. The architect for the project is Richärd Kennedy Architects of Phoenix, Ariz. The building will provide a secure, sustainable, and modern platform to advance American diplomacy in Mauritius.
Nicholas Von Mertens is the public affairs officer at Embassy Port Louis.
