The country of Ireland has put its former embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as a neighboring residence, on the market after relocating within the nation's capital.
CBRE is marketing Ireland's embassy property at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, a beaux arts-style office building that the real estate service firm said could accommodate embassies, universities, non-government organizations and other institutions.
CBRE is also partnering with residential brokerage Compass to co-market 2232 Massachusetts Ave. NW, the residential property next door to Ireland's former embassy.
"These properties represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a piece of history on one of Washington's most reputable avenues," Hans Wydler, an associate broker with Wydler Brothers of Compass, said in a statement.
The pair of properties at Sheridan Circle on Washington's Embassy Row hit the market after Ireland moved over the summer to 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, a property known as the Mills Building that was renovated in 2022.
Ireland is the latest country to relocate its embassy. Late last year, Poland bought the nearly 59,000-square-foot building at 1740 Massachusetts Ave. NW for use as its new embassy and additional offices. Poland said it would relocate its embassy from 2640 16th St., about 1 1/2 miles away.
In 2022, the Republic of Serbia acquired an office building near the White House to house its new U.S. embassy.
The former embassy that Ireland is selling was designed in 1908 by William Penn Cresson. The semi-detached limestone building spans five levels and features dual frontage, grand reception rooms and intricate millwork.
"The building's Louis XVI-inspired façade and interiors blend 18th-century French and English design elements, featuring gracious millwork, expansive reception halls, and a flexible layout suited for diplomatic, academic, or cultural institutions," CBRE said in an online listing.
Ireland purchased 2234 Massachusetts in 1949, according to the country's website.
"The chancery at Massachusetts Avenue has been a key part of Ireland's story in Washington D.C. for over seven decades," said Graham Ralph, the deputy director of property management at Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, in a statement.
As for the residential building next door, Ireland bought that property in 2018 for $4.25 million, according to CoStar data. The roughly 5,900-square-foot, seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom house, built in 1900, is listed for just under $3 million, the Compass website states.
For the record
CBRE's Manny Fitzgerald is overseeing the marketing of the former embassy, while Wydler is leading sales efforts for 2232 Massachusetts Ave. NW.