Exciting News: Construction of the White House Ballroom Set to Begin!

Washington, D.C. — For over a century, the White House has needed a larger space to host major events. President Donald J. Trump aims to address this issue by introducing a new State Ballroom, which will accommodate more guests and enhance the White House’s hosting capabilities.

The White House, famous for its beauty and history, currently has limitations. Major functions often require cumbersome tents to be set up yards away from the main building. The new ballroom will be approximately 90,000 square feet, with room for 650 seated guests—an impressive jump from the current 200-person capacity in the East Room.

In recent weeks, President Trump convened various teams, including the White House Staff and the National Park Service, to discuss the design and planning of this project. McCrery Architects, known for their classical designs, will lead the architectural work. CEO Jim McCrery expressed pride in being part of a project that respects the historical importance of the White House while implementing necessary upgrades.

The construction will be handled by Clark Construction, with engineering support from AECOM. The project is set to kick off in September 2025 and should wrap up while President Trump’s term is still in progress. Donors, including President Trump, have pledged to fund the approximately $200 million cost.

Located where the East Wing currently stands, the ballroom will maintain a theme and architectural style closely linked to the White House’s heritage. The East Wing, built in 1902, has seen several renovations over the years.

Chief of Staff Susie Wiles remarked that President Trump is a skilled builder with a keen eye for detail. The aim is to create a ballroom that will benefit future administrations and generations of Americans.

This initiative reflects a broader trend in U.S. politics where historical buildings are updated to meet modern needs without losing their essence. For example, similar renovations have occurred at other governmental buildings to enhance functionality while preserving history. As of late 2023, about 60% of Americans support modernizing national historical sites to improve access and usability, according to a recent survey by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

For more details on this ongoing project, you can visit the official White House website at whitehouse.gov/visit.

Source link