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5h ago

Trump Names Shalom Baranes to Lead White House Ballroom Project

The administration plans to submit ballroom designs to the National Capital Planning Commission this month.

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An excavator works to clear rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished on Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Overview

  • Shalom Baranes Associates was appointed the new lead architect, with James McCrery staying on as a consultant, the White House said.
  • The change follows reported disputes over the ballroom’s size and scope, with additional concerns about McCrery’s small firm and missed deadlines.
  • The project has expanded from an initial $200 million estimate to about $300 million, with seating targeted near 1,000 and funding from private donors.
  • The East Wing was demolished earlier in the fall, and the White House argues the NCPC reviews construction but not demolitions of the Executive Mansion.
  • NCPC chair Will Scharf said the commission expects plans this month, as Sen. Richard Blumenthal proposed the No Palaces Act to tighten review and oversight.