DC Metrocentric

The grand buildings along Washington’s Embassy row in Northwest have generally always symbolized the status and wealth of the countries they represent, however lately some of the buildings look more like dilapidated Haunted Mansions and sadly sit empty.

According to the Post, some countries like Pakistan and the Philippines have  ditched their old buildings for more lavish digs. While some have been abandoned when things fell apart back home (Yugoslavia and Congo) or when the ambassador got a promotion (Togo). Unfortunately the district can’t use the usual tools it has to get abandoned properties fixed up since Embassy’s have diplomatic exemption from paying property tax. 

Pictured above is the abandoned Embassy of Pakistan. The flag pole stands empty and the doors are shuttered. It is such a shame that these properties sit empty, but more troublesome are the properties that are neglected. It is unfortunate that short of State Department intervention, there is very little that residents and the Districts can do. 

They need to open these babies up for party rentals, can you imagine how cool and abandoned Embassy party would be? [Flickr Credit: OtavioDC]