Is Knox located in the former United States Consulate building?

What a former consulate building means

A consulate is an office through which a foreign government serves its citizens and handles matters such as visas in another country. Diplomatic premises are usually chosen or adapted with security in mind, and when a mission relocates, its former premises may be sold and put to new uses. Describing a building as a former United States Consulate is a statement about its history, not a description of its present security.

History and present-day security

Buildings change over time. Walls, doors, systems and procedures may have been altered, upgraded or removed since a previous occupant left. Any security feature that matters to you should be described as it exists today, with documents to support it where appropriate, rather than inferred from who used the building before.

What to check about the facility as it is now

• Which parts of the vault have been tested or certified, and when.
• How clients are identified before they reach the boxes.
• How the facility is monitored, described in general terms.
• What insurance applies to box contents, with its limits and exclusions.
• Whether the agreement explains the provider's responsibilities clearly.

Accurate descriptions and your rights

The Consumer Protection Act generally prohibits suppliers from making false or misleading representations about their services. If a statement about a building's history or construction is important to your decision, it is reasonable to ask the provider to explain it or confirm it in writing. Knox can discuss the history and layout of its premises in general terms during a visit, without sharing details that would compromise security.