New Residence Building in Washington, D.C. for Chinese Embassy’s Education Office
June 12, 2008
Christopher H. "Chris" Collins- Washington
Holland & Knight recently provided zoning and land use assistance to the Education Office of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for the proposed construction of a new replacement diplomatic staff residence building on Porter Street, N.W. in Washington, D.C.
The existing three-story apartment building on the site was constructed in 1942, contains 27 apartment units, and houses 12 diplomats and staff of the Education Office and their families. Additionally, there are 15 apartments which are used to house immediate family members who come to Washington to visit the diplomats and staff, as well as visiting officials, scholars and delegations that interact with the Education Office. There are also two additional rooms which are used for communal living, recreation and for functions at the site. As with many diplomatic residences in the metropolitan area, the Education Office periodically hosts functions of varying sizes, in conjunction with visits by delegations and officials, as well as for meetings of Chinese students and scholars studying in the United States.
The purpose of the new replacement building is to provide a more updated and spacious living environment for the diplomats and staff and their families, as well as the visiting delegations, scholars and officials. The new building also provides more spacious communal living areas, recreation and multi-purpose space, and working areas. The new building will contain 27 apartment units, including 12 two-bedroom apartments, plus 10 one-bedroom units and five studio apartments. The new building will provide a 30-car underground parking garage, with two additional outdoor parking spaces, to accommodate the cars of the building’s residents and visitors.
The communal work area will provide opportunities for several of the staff to work on-site, as well as small meeting and work rooms for the visiting officials, scholars and delegations that stay at the facility. The communal living area will include a library, recreation and fitness space, and a small dining area for the daily communal meal for the residents as well as for the overnight visitors. The building will also provide a multi-purpose room that is suitable for recreation and for hosting the events, as well as for gatherings and activities of the building residents.
For more information, email Christopher Collins at christopher.collins@hklaw.com or call toll free, 1.888.688.8500.