Behold ‘Hamre Hall,’ CSIS’s Shiny New Digs in Downtown D.C. (Video)

CSIS President and CEO John Hamre, a former deputy defense secretary, spearheaded a $100 million project to erect the think tank's now-open new headquarters in downtown Washington. (Photo: CSIS via Flickr)

CSIS President and CEO John Hamre, a former deputy defense secretary, spearheaded a $100 million project to erect the think tank’s now-open new headquarters in downtown Washington. (Photo: CSIS via Flickr)

It rises above what’s left of the the downtown Washington, D.C., treeline, just after one walks past the Cathedral of St. Matthew. As you cross 17 St., N.W., you can almost smell the newness of the brand-new $100 million building on Rhode Island Ave, N.W.

After seven years of planning and two years of construction, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has moved into its new building. And, trust us, the new CSIS headquarters building’s impressive lobby still has that new-think tank smell.

If only we could take you on a tour of the non-partisan think tank’s new digs. Wait, CSIS has made that possible. Take a look inside, after the jump. (Spolier: There’s a lobby chandelier that mimics the shape of Earth’s continents.)

CSIS describes its new home as a “striking stone and glass façade,” complete with two stories of conference space” and “modern, flexible office space to support our growing staff; and state-of-the-art electronics and audiovisual facilities.”

The driving force behind the project was CSIS President and CEO John Hamre, a former deputy defense secretary.

Before the event, Intercepts overheard Harlan Ullman, a retired Navy officer, congratulating Hamre on the new CSIS HQ. The two Washington veterans shared a laugh when Ulman dubbed it “Hamre Hall.”

Here’s a look at the new digs, courtesy of CSIS:

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John T. Bennett

John T. Bennett

Bennett is the Editor of Defense News' CongressWatch channel. He has a Masters degree in Global Security Studies from Johns Hopkins University.
John T. Bennett
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