The Trump administration surprised critics earlier this month by demolishing the East Wing of the White House, making way for a brand new 90,000 square foot ballroom. The construction marks the first major change to the property since 1952.
Trump had previously pledge would not interfere with the historical property, Reuters reports. However, officials have said that modernization efforts were needed within the East Wing and that changes had always been a possibility.
According to Reuters, the National Trust for Historic Preservation had requested the Trump administration pause construction until the planning commission review could be completed. The organization has expressed concern that the ballroom would “overwhelm” the White House, which stands at 55,000 square feet. The Trump Administration has yet to get approval for the addition due to the government shutdown, AP reports.
According to AP, the White House curator has been working to remove, catalog and store the art, official portraits of former first ladies and furnishings from the East Wing since the summer. The White House Historical Association has used 3D scanning technology to document “every room, space, nook and cranny of the East Wing” so it could be digitally recreated in the future.
The construction of the White House has been met with significant criticism from several preservation and architectural groups. The American Institute of Architects released the following statement:
“We call on decision-makers to halt any further irreversible alteration of the historic fabric, to publish full documentation of the project’s scope, budget, schedule and procurement path, and to reopen meaningful engagement with the professional community and the public.”
This isn’t the first major construction project that the White House has undergone. Since taking office in January, Trump has made changes to the Oval Office and the Rose Garden, Reuters reports. During his first term, a tennis pavilion was added to the White House grounds, but that when through a review process with the NCPC and U.S. Commission of Fine arts.
According to Reuters, Trump has said that the renovation will be paid for by himself and donors, allowing him to side step any congressionally appropriated government funds.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.
