Detailed plans for a $400 million, 90,000-square-foot expansion of the White House East Wing were presented to a key federal planning commission on Thursday. The project, which is already in its initial stages, includes a grand ballroom designed to host 1,000 guests and aims for completion before the end of the current presidential term.
The architect for the project, Shalom Baranes, outlined the two-story structure's design, which has drawn both support for its ambition and concern from historic preservation advocates and some commission members over its scale and accelerated timeline.
Key Takeaways
- Architect Shalom Baranes presented plans for a $400 million, 90,000-square-foot addition to the White House East Wing.
- The two-story structure will include a 22,000-square-foot ballroom, a new commercial kitchen, and a rebuilt movie theater.
- Concerns were raised by D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson about the expansion being potentially "overwhelming" to the historic building.
- The administration is seeking a fast-tracked approval process, with a National Capital Planning Commission vote expected in March.
A Grand Vision Unveiled
During an informational presentation to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), architect Shalom Baranes provided the first comprehensive look at the new East Wing. The plans detail a structure that will rise to the same height as the main White House residence.
The total 90,000 square feet of new space will be divided between two floors. The upper level is dedicated to a 22,000-square-foot ballroom capable of seating 1,000 people for formal events. The lower level is designed to be a functional hub, featuring a modern commercial kitchen, office space for the First Lady, and a reconstructed movie theater.
A grand staircase will connect the lower-level entrance to the ballroom above, creating a formal procession for visitors. Baranes also noted that the design includes a potential second-story addition to the existing West Wing colonnade, which would create a symmetrical appearance between the two wings of the executive mansion.
Project at a Glance
- Total Cost: $400 million
- Total Area: 90,000 square feet
- Floors: Two
- Ballroom Capacity: 1,000 seated guests
- Key Features: Commercial kitchen, First Lady's office, movie theater
Navigating Preservation and Progress
The project has faced scrutiny since the original East Wing was demolished last year, a move that proceeded without many of the standard public review processes. At the Thursday meeting, officials addressed the decision to rebuild rather than renovate.
White House official Josh Fisher explained that reviews by architects and engineers had uncovered significant structural damage and deterioration in the old wing. He stated that it was determined to be more cost-efficient to demolish the structure and build anew. Fisher assured the commission that "great steps" were taken to preserve historic elements, including parts of the original colonnade and features from the movie theater.
Despite these assurances, some members of the commission expressed reservations. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson voiced his concern that the new addition could be "overwhelming" to the iconic residence.
"We have a thoughtful middle ground that we're pursuing," Shalom Baranes responded, emphasizing that the goal is to maintain "the visual primacy of the White House."
To minimize the visual impact, Baranes confirmed the new wing will be painted white to match the existing structure and will be set back 10.5 feet from the White House's main facade on Pennsylvania Avenue.
An Accelerated Timeline
A central element of the administration's strategy is speed. The project team is pushing for an approval process that is significantly faster than the months or years typically required for projects of this magnitude and historical sensitivity. Excavation and foundation work are already underway on the site.
Officials have indicated a desire to begin above-ground construction as early as April. The ultimate goal is to have the new ballroom and East Wing facilities completed and operational before President Trump's current term concludes.
The Approval Path
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is one of the primary bodies with oversight on major construction in the capital. Following this informational presentation, the project will be presented to the Commission of Fine Arts later this month. The NCPC is scheduled to hold a final vote on the preliminary and final site development plans in March.
What's Next for the Project
With the initial plans now public, the project moves into a critical phase of review and approval. The upcoming presentation to the Commission of Fine Arts will provide another forum for feedback from architectural and design experts.
The decisive moment will come in March when the NCPC, whose membership now includes several Trump appointees, will vote on whether to grant the project final approval. The outcome of that vote will determine if construction can proceed on its ambitious, fast-tracked schedule.