New HQ: The Consulate General of Mexico relocated to new headquarters after completely renovating the building at 10555 Richmond.
Westchase District became home to another Consulate General this year when the Consulate General of Mexico opened of its new Houston headquarters at 10555 Richmond Road. The Consulate General of Mexico joins consular offices for Indonesia and the Philippines, also located in Westchase District.
Last year marked the consulate’s 100th year in Houston. The Houston office is one of Mexico’s largest diplomatic representations in the United States. The new office has 50,000-square-feet, four floors and multiple areas to serve the public — doubling the space the consulate had at its previous location at Interstate 69 and San Jacinto.
During the headquarters opening, Mexico’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, came to Westchase to officially celebrate the opening. Casaubón said the new building is state-of-the-art and brings “better services for both Mexicans and people interested in Mexico.”
Serving people efficiently, safely
The move will offer greater functionality and accessibility to the consulate and its services, which include legal assistance, aid with vital records and travel documents. The consulate has also provided free COVID vaccinations and tests for almost 5,000 people. Consul General Alicia Kerber Palma credited a strong collaboration between Mexico and Houston as key for bringing this service.
Individuals may make appointments for consular services that are completely free, personal and non-transferable through the Mexitel system (mexitel.sre.gob.mx). This service helps people avoid fraud when scheduling appointments through external agents who can misuse personal and confidential data, while misinforming about the requirements to obtain important documents.
“We are committed to prioritizing the timely and permanent attention of a Mexican community in Houston that exceeds two million people in 37 counties,” said Kerber Palma. “For this reason, the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston is making important efforts to provide uninterrupted services during this brief transition.”
Plentiful parking
The new Consulate General of Mexico has its own parking lot and is easily accessible via car or METRO’s 25 route stops at the corner of Richmond and Rogerdale. “One of the frequent concerns of our users was finding a parking space when coming to the Consulate, which made them vulnerable to abuse from people who sold spaces at exorbitant prices,” said Kerber Palma. “Having a completely free parking space for the time that the person remains in our facilities is one of the many improvements incorporated, responding to the changing needs of our community. This new location will allow us to serve Mexican nationals and guests in an efficient and safe manner.”
In its 100 years, the consulate has become a safe and trustworthy space for Mexicans, Mexican Americans and Hispanics, as well as a reference for implementing initiatives in favor of the entire Houston community. They are a welcome addition to Westchase District.
