After years of speculation the US Embassy in Dublin has formally confirmed that it has agreed to purchase the site of the former Jury's Hotel in Ballsbridge.
It said that once the acquisition of the 4.2 acre site has closed within the next sixty days, it will begin the process of designing and planning to build a new embassy at the location.
The deal will involve the seller demolishing the old vacant hotel structure which is still located on the site.
"As we celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland, the acquisition of a site for a new U.S. embassy building is a significant milestone," said US Ambassador to Ireland, Claire D Cronin.
"This has been a priority for me. We happily have outgrown our current historic home, and investment in a new building represents both the extraordinary U.S.-Irish bond of today and the potential tomorrow brings."
"As we continue to deepen and expand our ties on multiple levels, I hope the new embassy will become a beacon for future generations who will seek to build on the promise of a prosperous U.S.-Irish relationship."
Last month it was reported that the US Government was planning to spend nearly $700m on the new embassy, with $171m of that to be spent on the old Jury's hotel site.
In 2005 the land, including the Jurys Ballsbridge Hotel, The Towers and the Berkeley Court, was sold by the Jurys Doyle Hotel chain to the developer Sean Dunne for €260m.
In 2015 it was sold on by Mr Dunne’s lender Ulster Bank to a consortium including a company controlled by developer Joe O’Reilly for €170m.
In May of 2021, Dublin City Council rezoned the land so it could be used for an embassy.
The current US Embassy building will continue to be used while the new embassy building is being built, with no timeframe for completion yet specified.
It has been located across the road at the corner of Eglin Road and Pembroke Road since 1964.
The current embassy was designed by an American architect, John M. Johansen, in consultation with prominent Irish architect, Michael Scott.
The US State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations and the embassy said they will work closely with local partners to ensure a suitable plan for the existing site is developed once the embassy is relocated.
The deal between the US Embassy and the owner of the site, Castlethorn, was brokered by property advisor, Savills Ireland.
