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$250 Million Ballroom at the White House. What You Should Know About Trump’s $250 Million White House Ballroom Project. This is the mansion’s first significant structural alteration since the substantial improvements completed in 1948 under President Harry Truman. As part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to construct a new ballroom in the East Wing of the White House, which has historically been designated for the First Lady, extensive demolition work started this week.
With Trump having already redecorated the Oval Office with opulent gold furnishings, the renovation, which started Monday, is the first significant structural alteration to the White House complex since 1948. The National Capital Planning Commission, the federal body that regulates this kind of work, has not formally approved the project, according to an Associated Press (AP) report. Because to a nationwide government shutdown, the commission is now closed. Trump first revealed the concept in July, and he reiterated it on Monday in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform.
For what reason is the East Wing being demolished?
Trump claimed in his statement on Monday that a ballroom is being added to the East Wing’s reconstruction. He has frequently bemoaned the White House’s lack of a room big enough to accommodate significant visitors or foreign leaders. Such state meals have historically taken place on the lawns of the White House.
On Monday, Trump wrote:
“I am happy to announce that construction of the new, spacious, and exquisite ‘White House Ballroom’ has begun on the White House grounds.”
Although many observers are still dubious due to the scope of the improvements, he added that the project is fully privately funded and won’t have an impact on the main White House structure.
Every president for more than 150 years has envisioned the White House having a ballroom to host state visits and large receptions. “At no cost to the American taxpayer, I am honored to be the first President to finally begin this much-needed project,” he continued.
In 1902, the two-story East Wing was initially constructed. It has held the First Lady’s offices and functioned as an entrance for visiting guests since 1977, when Rosalynn Carter was in charge. The Graphics and Calligraphy Office, which creates invitations for non-political White House events, and a sizable theater are also part of it. Directly above the President’s underground emergency bunker is the East Wing.
How Much Will It Cost to Build?
Trump’s ballroom is anticipated to cost over $250 million, according to reports from the Associated Press and other American media outlets. It would cost roughly $200 million, as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had already said in August. Trump stated that he and private donors will pay for the costs, but he has not revealed who the donors are.
What Can We Expect from the New Ballroom?
Leavitt said the new ballroom will cover roughly 90,000 square feet (8,360 square meters) and will accommodate about 650 visitors. It has the capacity to accommodate up to 999 people, according to Reuters.
Today, the East Room, which can hold about 200 people, is used for the majority of White House events. In August, Leavitt stated that the work would be finished “well before” the January 2029 conclusion of Trump’s presidency.
During what she referred to as the “modernization process,” local offices will be temporarily moved. Additionally, she underlined that “nothing will be torn down.”
$250 Million Ballroom at the White House
Trump has already stated in July:
“It will be lovely. It won’t affect the existing structure. It won’t touch it, but it will be close. I am a huge supporter of the current arrangement, and it will be totally respected. It’s my fave.
The building work will be done by Virginia-based Clark Construction, while the design will be led by McCrery Architects, a firm based in Washington. Engineering services will be provided by Dallas-based AECOM.
What Previous White House Changes Have Been Made?
The White House has experienced many structural alterations since it was finished in 1800 as each presidents have redesigned it to suit their preferences.
Among the most significant developments of the 20th century are:
Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909): In 1902, he extended the State Dining Room to accommodate 100 guests (up from 40), relocated the presidential offices from the second floor to the newly constructed West Wing, and removed the Victorian-style decor. A tiny East Wing was also erected by him for the ceremonial entrance of guests.
During his tenure from 1909 to 1913, William Howard Taft built the first Oval Office and enlarged the West Wing.
During World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945) built a two-story addition to the East Wing to house the underground Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC).
Harry Truman (1945–1953): Completed a major refurbishment, removing all interior components and replaced them with concrete flooring and steel beams, leaving only the exterior walls. On the South Portico, he also erected the contentious “Truman Balcony.” The Situation Room was constructed by John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy (1961–1963), who also used antiques to refurbish numerous rooms.
The Situation Room was improved and a bowling lane was added by Richard Nixon (1969–1974).
Bill Clinton (1993–2001): Better internet access and security measures.
George W. Bush (2001–2009): Restored the Abraham Lincoln Bedroom and renovated the press briefing room, among other historic areas.
Barack Obama (2009–2017): Installed Wi-Fi throughout the White House and West Wing, and reconfigured the existing tennis court for basketball games.
An Overview of the White House’s History
The White House has six storeys and roughly 55,000 square feet, including the East and West Wings. There are 132 rooms, 35 baths, and 28 fireplaces on the 18-acre property. Under President George Washington, construction got underway on October 13, 1792, and was finished on November 1, 1800, during the administration of John Adams. Architect James Hoban, who was born in Ireland, based his design on Leinster House, the country’s legislature building.
The mansion was severely damaged when British troops set it on fire in 1814 during the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain, but it was quickly restored. $250 Million Ballroom at the White House
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