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17h ago

White House Details 89,000-Square-Foot East Wing Ballroom Plan, Floats West Wing Colonnade Addition

The briefing moves the project into formal federal review, with a preservation lawsuit still pending.

Work continues on the construction of the ballroom at the White House where the East Wing once stood, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Construction workers watch as work continues on a largely demolished part of the East Wing of the White House in October 2025 in Washington, DC.
Work continues on the construction of the ballroom at the White House where the East Wing once stood, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The demolition of the East Wing of the White House, the location of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ballroom is seen from an elevated position on the North side of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 23, 2025. REUTERS/ Andrew Leyden/File Photo

Overview

  • At a public NCPC session, architect Shalom Baranes outlined a two-level East Wing totaling about 89,000 square feet with a privately funded ballroom of roughly 20,000–22,000 square feet, seating around 1,000 with ceilings near 30–40 feet.
  • The new East Wing would match the main mansion’s height, and the team is considering a one‑story West Wing colonnade extension to balance a planned two‑story East colonnade.
  • NCPC Chair Will Scharf called the presentation the start of a process, with a Commission of Fine Arts briefing expected Jan. 15 and votes targeted for February (CFA) and early March (NCPC).
  • Officials defended the October demolition of the East Wing as the most economical option given structural instability, water intrusion, mold, and obsolete systems, and pegged the project cost at about $400 million funded by private donors, including the president.
  • The National Park Service’s assessment warned of long‑term adverse effects on the grounds’ design and setting, while the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s lawsuit over the project’s process continues.