President Donald Trump has announced its most ambitious White House expansion plans for more than twenty years: $ 200 million ($ 157 million) Specially Financed BallroomIt will be groundbreaking September 2025.
Dubbing White House State BallroomThe proposed structure will spread 90,000 feet square and to adapt Up to 650 guestsChange the current eastern wing.
Famous for the first time in 2016, Trump said that the ballroom would end the need for ugly outdoor tents at state events. The ballroom designed to reflect the richness of the Mar-a-lago property, the most important structural change in the ruling mansion since the addition of the Truman balcony in 1948 will be.
What will be built?
Accordingly BBCThe new hall will be located neoclassical architecture– Corinthian columns– crystal chandeliersAnd arched windows To comply with the aesthetics of the main housing. Ballroom will be effective Twice the existing eastern wingThe first Lady and the White House Military Office are located.
The renderler shared by the White House shows a fancy interior reiterating Trump’s golden tones and long -standing preference for large design. Although the ballroom stands separately from the main residence, stylistic aligned To maintain visual continuity.
Where and when will the construction start?
Construction is expected to start Autumn 2025 and to be completed Before the end of Trump’s current period In 2029. Ball-room, Eastern wing footprintFirst Lady Melania requires temporary displacement of Trump’s staff and other offices.
Renewal does not affect the main housing structure and Historical Protection Protocols It is reported that it will be followed to protect adjacent areas.
Who manages the project?
Trump, who made his reserve in the real estate, showed a personal interest in the project. Both Ballroom Both practical solution hosting big activities and Old addition For future presidents.
It is handled by architectural plans McCrery Architectswith Clark Construction And Aecom Leading engineering and construction efforts. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt The expansion is ‘a very needed and elegant supplement’ and Trump and anonymous ‘Patriot Donors’Taxpayer without withdrawing money.
Why is expansion controversial
The project led to discussion about the line between. private financing And public architecture. Some critics – even if there is no federal dollar – claim that changing the iconic structure reduces the risk of reducing symbolism somehow. People’s House.
Ballroom follows a wider trend Trump Period Aesthetic Renewalsincluding Golden accent oval office, Establishment of solid flag polesAnd Removal on Rose Garden. While supporters praise the upgrades as a visionary, critics see them as a separation of the presidential tradition.
What do the protection experts say?
Currently, demolition is not planned and the White House says that all building codes and protection standards will be approved. However, authorities from agencies Transportation Safety Administration And National Park Service Plans may be involved as they progress.
Leslie Greene BowmanA long -term member of the Protection Committee of the White House said to the BBC:
“ I hope that the proposed changes will honor and protect the existing walls that witness too much history. They are precious ships of our inheritance as democracy. ‘
What will happen next?
Designs for the ballroom are already expected to live on the White House website live and last plans before construction starts. More reviews may come Congress And Protection ExpertsEspecially when the structure replaces an important wing historically.
The White House will be ‘honoring past traditions while providing modern service’ and Prestige area for government dishesReduce the logistics burden of installing outdoor tents.
With the construction that will start in just a few months, Trump’s ballroom will become a descriptive legacy of the second period – and 1600 Pennsylvania Boulevard.
