The US Embassy in Reykjavík is currently preparing its relocation from its current location in downtown Reykjavík to a new site by Engjateigur street just east of downtown. But before the move can be completed two crucial things must be taken care of. A tall security fence must be built to ensure security and a giant flagpole erected to ensure the Stars and Stripes.
One of the tallest flagpoles in Iceland
The embassy has requested permission from City authorities to erect a 4.5 m (15 ft.) high security fence around the new embassy grounds and an 18 m (59 ft.) flagpole, as well as to construct a small structure by the gate, presumably to house guards. Other changes outlined in the planning proposal include a reduction in the number of parking spots on the grounds, the move of the parking lot further away from the street and a permission to convert a part of the current underground parking garage to other uses.
The new embassy will be located in a modernistic 2,400 sq. m (25,800 sq. ft.) building on three floors by Engjateigur 7 near Laugardalur valley and recreational area, across the street from Hilton Nordica. The embassy purchased the building in 2014. According to the local news site visir.is significant changes had to be made to the buildings before the embassy could move. The security fence and giant flagpole are part of these changes.
Current location has been occupied since the US troops replaced UK occupying forces in WWII
The embassy has been located at Laufásvegur 21-23 since the US established an Embassy in Iceland in 1941. Although the current location is centrally located, close to many other foreign embassies, it is also in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. The new embassy is also better situated with regards to major traffic arteries.
The US Embassy in Reykjavík is currently preparing its relocation from its current location in downtown Reykjavík to a new site by Engjateigur street just east of downtown. But before the move can be completed two crucial things must be taken care of. A tall security fence must be built to ensure security and a giant flagpole erected to ensure the Stars and Stripes.
One of the tallest flagpoles in Iceland
The embassy has requested permission from City authorities to erect a 4.5 m (15 ft.) high security fence around the new embassy grounds and an 18 m (59 ft.) flagpole, as well as to construct a small structure by the gate, presumably to house guards. Other changes outlined in the planning proposal include a reduction in the number of parking spots on the grounds, the move of the parking lot further away from the street and a permission to convert a part of the current underground parking garage to other uses.
The new embassy will be located in a modernistic 2,400 sq. m (25,800 sq. ft.) building on three floors by Engjateigur 7 near Laugardalur valley and recreational area, across the street from Hilton Nordica. The embassy purchased the building in 2014. According to the local news site visir.is significant changes had to be made to the buildings before the embassy could move. The security fence and giant flagpole are part of these changes.
Current location has been occupied since the US troops replaced UK occupying forces in WWII
The embassy has been located at Laufásvegur 21-23 since the US established an Embassy in Iceland in 1941. Although the current location is centrally located, close to many other foreign embassies, it is also in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. The new embassy is also better situated with regards to major traffic arteries.
