White House Unveils Plan for $200M Ballroom Amidst Ongoing Makeover
President Trump Announces Construction of New Ballroom at the White House, Aimed to Accommodate Large Events and Enhance Historical Space.
The White House has announced plans to construct a new $200 million ballroom as part of ongoing renovations under President Donald Trump's administration.
Scheduled to begin in September, the project aims for completion before the end of Trump's term in early 2029.
This development marks a significant structural change to the Executive Mansion since the addition of the Truman balcony in 1948.
The new ballroom, which will span approximately 90,000 square feet with a seating capacity of 650 people, is intended to address the perceived lack of suitable spaces for large events and state dinners at the White House.
Previously, such gatherings have sometimes required the use of tents on the lawns due to limited indoor space.
The East Room, currently the largest room in the White House, can accommodate around 200 people, highlighting the need for a larger venue.
Trump has emphasized his commitment to this project, stating that he has been planning it for some time and viewing it as an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
To ensure minimal disruption to the historic mansion, the ballroom will be constructed adjacent to but not connected with the existing building.
The East Wing, which houses several offices including that of the First Lady, will temporarily relocate during construction and undergo modernization.
The project is being led by McCrery Architects as the lead architect and Clark Construction as the construction team, with engineering services provided by AECOM.
Funding for the approximately $200 million endeavor is expected to come from a combination of donations from Trump and other supporters.
Additionally, Trump has expressed his intention to replace the bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom with one that reflects 19th-century aesthetics, further underscoring his administration's focus on restoring historical elements while also incorporating modern conveniences.
Scheduled to begin in September, the project aims for completion before the end of Trump's term in early 2029.
This development marks a significant structural change to the Executive Mansion since the addition of the Truman balcony in 1948.
The new ballroom, which will span approximately 90,000 square feet with a seating capacity of 650 people, is intended to address the perceived lack of suitable spaces for large events and state dinners at the White House.
Previously, such gatherings have sometimes required the use of tents on the lawns due to limited indoor space.
The East Room, currently the largest room in the White House, can accommodate around 200 people, highlighting the need for a larger venue.
Trump has emphasized his commitment to this project, stating that he has been planning it for some time and viewing it as an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
To ensure minimal disruption to the historic mansion, the ballroom will be constructed adjacent to but not connected with the existing building.
The East Wing, which houses several offices including that of the First Lady, will temporarily relocate during construction and undergo modernization.
The project is being led by McCrery Architects as the lead architect and Clark Construction as the construction team, with engineering services provided by AECOM.
Funding for the approximately $200 million endeavor is expected to come from a combination of donations from Trump and other supporters.
Additionally, Trump has expressed his intention to replace the bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom with one that reflects 19th-century aesthetics, further underscoring his administration's focus on restoring historical elements while also incorporating modern conveniences.
