In January 1983, the news that one of the oldest businesses in the District of Columbia was planning to relocate its headquarters to North Carolina garnered headlines, leaving many to wonder about not only the fate of the company's many employees, but that of its massive headquarters, built in the 1950s and heralded at the time as "one of the city's prime pieces of real estate."
The People's Insurance Company had been founded in the District in 1903, and had built the 115,000 square foot property with five stories above ground, and two below, in 1959, after having outgrown its three previous office locations, most recently on 14th and H St NW.
Designed in a "modern version of federal style to harmonize with governmental architecture in the Capital City," The Washington Post reported, the building was constructed... "of Georgia marble facing with spandrels of Swedish granite." At the time of its move to the new headquarters, People's reported 250 home office employees,1100 full time agents and managers, and an additional 193 salaried employees in 61 offices throughout seven states and D.C. While many of the employees were offered positions at the new headquarters in North Carolina, one senior executive openly stated that he realized that not all would accept.
In March 1983, People's Insurance sold their headquarters at 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW to a foreign government. This was just after the Foreign Missions Act passed in 1982, so there was some speculation whether the purchase would be approved by DC Zoning Board. Ultimately, the deal went through for an undisclosed amount and the former People's Insurance headquarters indeed became an embassy.
On a clear, sunny Saturday afternoon in October, I stood on the sidewalk to photograph the building. There is no fence surrounding it, and with the Swedish granite sparkling in the sun, I photographed it from several angles, as I have so many other buildings with interesting past lives before they became embassies.
That single random act of sidewalk photography brought a Secret Service agent and two Metropolitan Police officers to my door eleven days later. Later that night, after they had left, I nearly collided with a man with a suit and vehicle too expensive for my modest apartment building, with shiny shoes and a lapel pin eerily similar to the insignia on the embassy, walking in my apartment's parking lot looking at vehicles. A man who Secret Service later told me, but never fully convinced me, was probably not foreign intelligence.
I've photographed embassies in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere for more than a decade without incident. I probably should have known this time would be different.
Diplomatica's Embassy Calendar curates a selection of public diplomacy events offered by or at embassies, ambassador's residences, and other diplomatic properties. Have an event you'd like to include? Please get in touch.
Looking for a midday culture break? Stop by the Embassy of Japan's Information and Culture Center (JICC) Thursday, February 1 between 11:30-1:30 to meet the photographer behind their latest exhibition: “Recapturing Happiness: The Enduring Spirit of Ishinomaki." Walk-ins welcome. More information.
Join Spain Arts & Culture for a recital by violinist Raquel Areal Martinez on Thursday February 1 at 6:30pm at the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain. More information.
On February 2, the Embassy of Rwanda will be celebrating Rwanda Day, "a significant event that brings together Rwandans based in Rwanda, those in the Diaspora, and friends of Rwanda from around the world. Attendees have the opportunity to engage with the President of the Republic of Rwanda, discuss national development, and enjoy cultural entertainment." Learn more and register.
On Tuesday, February 6 · 7 - 9:30pm EST join the Austrian Cultural Forum at the Embassy of Austria for a dive into the jazz universe of Alpha Trianguli, a concert of four young Austrian musicians presenting their debut album Entering Zero Gravity. More information.
Visit the House of Sweden on weekends between 12-5 to learn about the country's role in Accelerating the Green Transition, and other exhibits.
The gallery at the Embassy of Canada is hosting an exhibition to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, showcasing stories and historical imagery of the Canadian experience in Korea. The gallery is open Monday-Friday 9-5.
Join Villa Albertine at the Embassy of France for the family-friendly play "The Five Missing Rings." February 16th at 6:30 pm and February 17th at 4 pm. Register.
Virtual
The Embassy of Iceland in Ottowa is hosting an online discussion about Iceland's foreign policy with Bjarni Benediktsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Register.
