The new U.S. Embassy Podgorica will support important diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Montenegro and embody OBO’s mission of providing the most effective facilities for U.S. diplomacy abroad.
Project Overview
Beyer Blinder Belle
Design Architect
Integrus
Architect of Record
B.L. Harbert International
Design/Build Contractor
4.9 acres
Site Size
$264.4 million
Project Budget
$71 million
Estimated Local Investment
Timeline
March 2020
Groundbreaking
September 2022
Topping Out
November 2024
Phase I Construction Completion
2027
Phase II Estimated Construction Completion
Design & Construction
The new embassy project redevelops the existing diplomatic facilities and consists of six new structures and 11,426 gross square meters of new construction on the embassy property.
The project is phased in two parts to coordinate construction activities with ongoing embassy operations. Phase I work is 100 percent complete and work for Phase II began in January 2025.
The new project design aims to create a civic presence at the base of the neighboring Park Petrovića near the Moraca River. Through the use of locally sourced stone in the building facades and in the site hardscapes, the design reflects local architectural vernacular, but in a monumental manner that uplifts the surrounding public spaces. The buildings and landscape elements evoke the area’s historic landscapes and visually tie the site to the park.
Building diplomatic facilities impacts the communities and neighborhoods in which they are located by generating jobs, increasing local production and acquisition of goods and services, stimulating business patronage and improving adjacent infrastructure.
Construction has employed approximately 380 U.S., local, and third-country national professionals over the course of construction. The training, experience, and certification provided to workers enhances career growth and expands the pool of skilled workers for future mission needs.
Building Performance
A model of building performance optimization, the resilient design reduces risk and operating costs associated with utilities and maintenance while enhancing natural hazards adaptation.
A balance of on-site energy creation and energy conservation, such as LED lighting and a building envelope that reduces solar heat gain, results in a 36 percent reduction in energy needs.
Modern plumbing fixtures reduce potable water needs by more than 30 percent, which, combined with using captured stormwater for irrigation needs, reduces the reliance on external water sources while lowering ongoing expenses.
Arts & Cultural Heritage
The permanent art collection, curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies, will include art in a variety of media, including painting, photography, textile, and sculpture by U.S. and Montenegrin artists.
The collection will seek to create a dialogue of shared values between the people of our two countries. Highlights will include site-specific commissions that reflect an understanding of the diversity and richness of U.S. and Montenegrin cultural heritage.
Commissioned for the lobby, a mosaic by Jason Middlebrock will highlight flora native to Montenegro alongside regional landmarks such as the Millenium Bridge, the Clock Tower in Stara Varoš, the Dajbabska Gora Radio Tower, and the Old Ribnica River Bridge.
