New U.S. Consulate General Merida Project
The United States and Mexico have a consequential bilateral relationship, directly impacting the everyday lives of millions of U.S. and Mexican citizens, whether through trade, joint security, or tourism. Within similar time frames, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations has undertaken five major builds across Mexico: four new consulate facilities in Hermosillo, Guadalajara, Mérida, and Nogales, and a new embassy in Mexico City. Among the Mission Mexico new facilities, the new consulate complex in Mérida is an important physical representation of the long-term commitment to the U.S.- Mexico relationship and a permanent presence.
Since 1843, a U.S. Consulate General on the Yucatán Peninsula has served both Mexican and U.S. citizens. In addition to the thousands of U.S. citizens who reside in the Consular District, millions of U.S. citizens visit the Yucatán Peninsula annually. The Peninsula attracts a variety of tourists in all seasons: beachcombers on the Riviera Maya, history buffs and art collectors to the historic cities of Mérida and Valladolid, and explorers to the iconic Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal. Mérida and its environs continue to provide an exciting vision for Mexico’s future: a strong regional partner with robust cultural and interpersonal ties presenting extensive opportunities for U.S. investment.
Project Overview
Miller Hull
Design Architect
Page
Architect of Record
BL Harbert International
Design/Build Contractor
7 acres
Site Size
$210 million
Project Budget
$85 million
Estimated Local Investment
The design of the new consulate complex is reminiscent of Mayan archeological sites, which hover above the jungle and provide views over the trees across the peninsula.
A stone-clad atrium planted with local vegetation — inspired by the cenotes dotting the region — forms the heart of the building, providing a place for the community to meet while also serving as the main circulation spine for the building. Landscaping, stone walls, and water features direct visitors around and through the site, creating an aesthetic experience.
Design
OBO embassies and consulates often are the first experience host country citizens and government officials have with the United States overseas and that customer experience is important to diplomatic relations.
Distinct outdoor zones create spaces for community gatherings and events. Formal gardens complement adjacent areas of dense tropical vegetation, providing shade and balance to the overall landscape. The building’s upper floors extend out beyond the footprint of the ground level plan, creating a shaded walkway around the building.
Concealed within the core of the building, the atrium is revealed upon entering the consulate, an element of surprise that will remind visitors of the cenotes in the region. The atrium extends from the lobby, past the gallery, and up through the office area on the third floor. The central stair, atrium, and gallery come together on the second level, creating a multi-functional space for formal ceremonies and informal meetings, and offering views to the surroundings, while natural light fills the gallery from the skylights above. The upper floors’ sunscreen controls glare and reduces solar heat gain, creating comfortable interior spaces.
Sustainability
The project, registered with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) version 4.1 and is aiming for Silver certification. Features include: 350 KW solar power generation, air-cooled chillers with heat recovery, optimized daylighting controls, and high-efficiency plumbing fixtures.
The landscape’s native vegetation and greywater irrigation ensure that the site will minimize potable water use. The site has undergone remediation efforts to address environmental contamination resulting from previous industrial activities. Sunscreen and light monitors reduce solar heat gain and glare in office areas, while maximizing daylight throughout the interior spaces.
Art
The permanent art collection curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies includes art in a variety of media, including painting, photography, ceramics, textile and sculpture by both U.S. and Mexican artists. Site specific commissions reflect an understanding of the diversity, richness, and often interconnectedness of U.S. and Mexican, and Mexican-American cultural heritage.
The collection and commissions create a dialogue of shared values between the people of the United States and Mexico. One major site-specific installation will be by American artist Jorge Pardo. The installation will include 17 ceiling mounted light-emitting sculptures that will glow. The sculptures are based on the natural landscape of the cenote which can be found throughout the Yucatan and is also the inspiration for the design of the consulate building.
