Construction is due to start next month on a new 90,000-square-foot White House State Ballroom to host major functions, eliminating the need for temporary tents on the South Lawn. The ballroom will have a seated capacity of 650 people, significantly larger than the largest current event space, the East Room, which has a 200-person capacity. CLICK https://x.com/FoxNews/status/1951393572894191707 to hear Trump say he’ll pay for the whole thing himself if private donors don’t contribute. Estimated cost is $200 million.
The last time a president oversaw a major renovation to the White House was the Truman Reconstruction (1948 to 1952). The White House, originally built in 1800 and rebuilt after the War of 1812, was in dire need of renovation. The interior wooden beams and floors were sagging and at risk of collapse and the plumbing, electricity, and heating systems were antiquated, posing fire hazards and inefficiencies.
With congressional approval, Truman initiated a comprehensive reconstruction to both preserve and modernize the White House. The interiors were gutted down to the foundation so a new steel and concrete framework was installed to replace the weakened wooden structure, ensuring long-term stability. Moldings, fireplaces, and paneling were carefully removed beforehand and reinstalled after to preserve the White House’s historical character.
A deeper, stronger foundation was dug to support the building and a two-story basement was added, including a bomb shelter (in response to Cold War nuclear fears) and mechanical rooms. New electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems were installed to meet modern standards. The Grand Staircase was rebuilt, and new elevators were installed for accessibility.
Truman added a balcony on the second floor of the South Portico, providing a private outdoor space for the First Family. This was controversial at the time, as critics argued it altered the White House’s iconic facade, but it’s now a beloved feature. The same thing happened in Paris when the Eiffel Tower was built. So, while I saw a lot of griping on X about Trump’s ballroom, I’m sure that one day it will be a cherished and praised feature of the White House.
The new ballroom will maintain the same neoclassical architectural style and will be located in part where the East Wing currently stands. The East Wing, built in 1902 and expanded in 1942, currently houses offices for the First Lady, the White House Military Office, and visitor offices, all of which will be temporarily relocated during construction. It isn’t clear where those functions will be moved to after construction is finished. Part of the ballroom will jut onto the South Lawn, connected via the East Colonnade, with a Palladian facade and columns on its eastern wall.
SOURCES:
polination.blog 