"The use of concrete is very interesting..."

[gingerjedi]

http://www.newsweek.com/id/143657

The septics have form in this department.

I remember visiting Berlin just after the scaffolding came down from the U.S Embassy, almost every person I saw stopped, stared, and walked on shaking their head in disgust.

Heavily fortified Ibis.

[OwlHoot]

Yes. It's called London Underground.

I meant secret tunnels!

Come to think of it, the Post Office stoped using their private underground tunnel a couple of years ago. I wonder that's been co-opted into use for, if anything, apart from cables.

[swamp]

I read somewhere that there are dozens of tunnels from under the US embassy to buildings throughout the West End, and perhaps even further.

If anyone disputes that I can't prove it, but then you can't prove I'm wrong.

Yes. It's called London Underground.

[threaded]

I read somewhere that there are dozens of tunnels from under the US embassy to buildings throughout the West End, and perhaps even further.

If anyone disputes that I can't prove it, but then you can't prove I'm wrong.

Another problem is all the spying devices that various countries have built in that would appear if it was knocked down, and all the ructions that would cause.

[OwlHoot]

US embassy wins listed status

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standa...sted-status.do

The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square has been protected with listed status, it emerged today.

Architecture Minister Margaret Hodge revealed she had given the landmark Mayfair structure a Grade II listing to preserve it for future generations.

She told Building Design: "The use of concrete is very interesting and for me it has got historical connections. I well remember the anti-Vietnam protests there in 1968."

The move could slash the £500 million the US government had hoped to make from selling the building because redevelopment options will be limited. The embassy will move to Nine Elms, south London, in 2016.

----

I actually feel sorry for the Americans. They are trying to do the right thing buy building a shiny new embassy in Wandsworth away from everyone else and their uber-prime real estate plot has been ruined.

I read somewhere that there are dozens of tunnels from under the US embassy to buildings throughout the West End, and perhaps even further.

If anyone disputes that I can't prove it, but then you can't prove I'm wrong.

[dinker]

How is the subprime mess all the American's fault?

How about this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Reinvestment_Act

[swamp]

A good deal was as I understand it although stupid UK banks did buy the bad debts.

There are rotten investments in countries all round the World. Doesn't mean one should go round and sabotage a countries embassy plans if you burnt by an investment in their domain.

If you invested your hard-earned wedge in this would you go and steal a wheelie bin from here?

[xoggoth]

A good deal was as I understand it although stupid UK banks did buy the bad debts.

[swamp]

Eh? After they gave us the subprime mess I'm not sorry if they lose the odd 500 mill.

How is the subprime mess all the American's fault?

[Sysman]

I actually feel sorry for the Americans. They are trying to do the right thing buy building a shiny new embassy in Wandsworth away from everyone else and their uber-prime real estate plot has been ruined.

Eh? After they gave us the subprime mess I'm not sorry if they lose the odd 500 mill.

[thunderlizard]

The Battle of Lexington?

[xoggoth]

I went to a protest there once. Can't remember what we were protesting at but I used to be very committed to some cause or other once. I think.

[thunderlizard]

There's more concrete round it than in it.

[lilelvis2000]

Ahh that "special relationship"..how to win and lose friends in an instant.

I've gone past it a couple of times and never really thought much of it really. Does the grade listing just for the concrete barriers around it?

[swamp]

US embassy wins listed status

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standa...sted-status.do

The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square has been protected with listed status, it emerged today.

Architecture Minister Margaret Hodge revealed she had given the landmark Mayfair structure a Grade II listing to preserve it for future generations.

She told Building Design: "The use of concrete is very interesting and for me it has got historical connections. I well remember the anti-Vietnam protests there in 1968."

The move could slash the £500 million the US government had hoped to make from selling the building because redevelopment options will be limited. The embassy will move to Nine Elms, south London, in 2016.

----

I actually feel sorry for the Americans. They are trying to do the right thing buy building a shiny new embassy in Wandsworth away from everyone else and their uber-prime real estate plot has been ruined.