US Embassy Sold to Qatari Diar
November 4, 2009 by Rob Powell
It has been reported that the US Embassy building in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, has been sold to the middle eastern property investor, Qatari Diar.
Qatari Diar attracted controversy when its Lord Rogers-designed plans for the Chelsea Barracks were criticised by Prince Charles and subsequently withdrawn.
The US Embassy was last month given Grade II listed building status and will not be vacated until around 2016-2017, at which time the new compound at Nine Elms should be ready to move into.
US Embassy Gets Listed Status
October 26, 2009 by Rob Powell
The facade of the US Embassy building in Grosvenor Status has been given listed building status by the government minister responsible for architecture.
The controversial building, which often divides opinion, has been cited as an important piece of modernist architecture by Margaret Hodge.
The Embassy was built between 1955 and 1957 and designed by Eero Saarinen. Last year, it was announced that the Embassy was looking to move to a new site at Nine Elms and would sell the building. Any new buyer will now be forced to maintain the existing facade may dampen price expectations for the gargantuan compound.
Armani bids for US Embassy?
January 11, 2009 by Rob Powell
Mayfair is no stranger to designer names, but could one fashion icon have designs on a whole side of Grosvenor Square?
The Mail on Sunday has speculated today that Giorgio Armani is in the bidding to buy up the leasehold to the US Embassy building in Mayfair. According to the newspaper he has an ambition to become an international hotellier and thinks the US Embassy building – with the Americans soon to decamp to Nine Elms – could be just what he’s after. One thing is certain: the famous designer will face stiff opposition for this prime piece of real estate.
Grosvenor Estate To Buy US Embassy Lease?
December 3, 2008 by Rob Powell
The Londoner’s Diary in the Evening Standard has reported that Mayfair landowners, Grosvenor Estate, are interested in buying the leasehold to the US Embassy site in Grosvenor Square.
The Embassy is planning to move to a new site in Nine Elms, and whilst this will take up to five years, applications of initial interest from bidders are being sought. Grosvenor already own the freehold to the site on the western side of Grosvenor Square.
US Embassy To Leave Grosvenor Square
October 4, 2008 by Rob Powell
After a long running will-they-won’t-they saga, it has finally been announced that the US Embassy is leaving Grosvenor Square. They have agreed a dea, pending approval from the US Congress, which will see them sell the leasehold for the current building and move to a new purpose built, ultra secure facility in the Nine Elms area, between Battersea and Vauxhall.
The move, which is expected to take five years to complete, will free up the Eero Saarinen designed building which is expected to achieve a £500 million price tag.
The US diplomatic service has long had a strong association with Grosvenor Square. Former President John Adam lived in Grosvenor Square for a time, and the US Embassy was based at number one Grosvenor Square before moving to its current building which occupies the whole Western side.
The presence of the embassy has meant that the square has played to many protests and demonstrations over the years including the famous anti-Vietnam war march of 1968.
Should The US Embassy Be Listed?
August 30, 2008 by Rob Powell
Just last week PropertyWeek claimed that the US Embassy was about to come on the market. But the Americans’ plans to sell of the site looks to be under threat already with the revelation that English Heritage has approached Culture Secretary Andy Burnham with a view to getting the building listed. If “listed” status is approved, this could dramatically devalue the property as investors looking to demolish or radically develop the site will be deterred from buying.
Should the US Embassy be listed?
The US Embassy building has long been a controversial building in Mayfair. Its imposing structure, designed by Eero Saarinen and topped by a golden eagle, are considered an eyesore by many but for others its an iconic building of the 20th century. Do you think the building deserves to be listed? Use the comments box to add your thoughts about the building and what should happen to it in the future.
Image of US Embassy taken from Jeherv’s Photostream under Creative Commons Licence
US Embassy For Sale
August 22, 2008 by Rob Powell
PropertyWeekly.com has revealed that the US Embassy building Grosvenor Square is about to come on the market for sale. It has been widely known that US officials were looking at moving from the imposing building for sometime, although recent speculation was that they may end up staying where they were.
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Enterprising Chemist Benefits from Embassy Rules
July 7, 2008 by Rob Powell
Gould Pharmacy in North Audley Street, Mayfair, is benefitting from a recent change to rules at the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square. The embassy has outlawed electronic devices being brought in to the building, which leaves hundreds of visitors needing somewhere to store their phone. Step forward Alpesh Patel from Gould Pharmacy, who is providing a secure holding service at £10 a time.
What do you think? Is £10 a bit expensive? Is this profiteering or a clever move which helps members of the public who have nowhere else to safely store their phone whilst they are in the embassy?