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President Donald Trump has appointed architect Shalom Baranes to lead the 300 million USD White House ballroom project, replacing James McCrery, who will remain as a consultant. The change follows reported disagreements over the size and design of the ballroom. The planned 90,000-square-foot addition, the largest construction at the White House in decades, has drawn criticism from preservationists and experts. The East Wing was recently demolished to make way for the project. The proposal will eventually be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission.
President Donald Trump has selected Shalom Baranes as the new lead architect for his 300 million USD White House ballroom project. Baranes replaces James McCrery, who will continue to serve in a consulting role. The change comes after reports indicated that Trump and McCrery had differing views regarding the size and scope of the planned addition. McCrery had reportedly suggested a more restrained approach to avoid the new ballroom overwhelming the existing White House structure. Advertisement
A White House spokesperson said the administration is eager to move into the next stage of development and praised Baranes for his long-standing contribution to the architectural landscape of Washington, D.C. The spokesperson highlighted that Baranes' experience will be vital for completing the project successfully.
The 90,000-square-foot (8,360-square-metre) ballroom represents the most extensive construction undertaken at the White House in decades. To accommodate the project, the East Wing was demolished earlier this year, a move that drew criticism from preservationists and experts concerned about the historical integrity of the building. Trump has defended the initiative, emphasizing the need for a large venue for state dinners and official events.
This ballroom is part of a series of physical changes Trump has implemented since taking office, including paving the Rose Garden lawn and adding gold decorations throughout the Oval Office. While these projects have sparked debate, the ballroom stands out for its scale and visibility.
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) will have a role in reviewing the final proposal for the ballroom, although it did not oversee the demolition that preceded construction. Trump aides have clarified that the NCPC can influence construction decisions but does not control all earlier preparatory steps. Staff secretary Will Scharf, a senior Trump aide, currently heads the commission.
Source Reuters
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