Department of Cultural Affairs

Former U.S. Ambassador’s Residence

At the end of the nineteenth century, flourishing commerce in tea and camphor led many Western foreign countries such as the United States, the Netherlands and Britain to establish consulates and trade offices in the Dadaocheng district of Taipei. The United States built its consulate at this location during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945). Following World War II, it served as the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. Ambassadors Karl L. Rankin, Everett F. Drumright, Ian G. Kirk, Jerauld Wright, Walter P. McConaughy and Leonard Unger all made this building their home. It now stands as an historic witness to relations between Taipei and Washington, D.C.
The white, two-story building was designed in a classic Western style with square floor plan, simple Grecian columns and an elegant reception hall. The original entrance faced Zhongshan North Road. The first floor functioned as administrative and reception space. The second, with a semi-covered terrace affording a pleasant view of the thoroughfare, served as living quarters for the ambassadors and their families.