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yesterday

White House Unveils East Wing Ballroom Plans at NCPC, Floats West Wing Addition

The presentation kicks off expedited oversight for a $400 million, privately funded project already under construction.

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

  • In the first public briefing to the National Capital Planning Commission, architect Shalom Baranes said the White House is considering a modest one‑story addition to the West Wing colonnade to restore symmetry with a revamped two‑story East Colonnade and new ballroom.
  • Officials detailed an 89,000‑square‑foot program with a roughly 22,000‑square‑foot ballroom designed for about 1,000 guests and a height aligned with the Executive Mansion’s cornice.
  • Commissioners, led by chair Will Scharf, questioned the process as the White House defended beginning demolition without prior NCPC review, calling Thursday’s session the start of a formal evaluation.
  • Next steps include a Commission of Fine Arts public session on Jan. 15, a CFA vote on Feb. 19, a final NCPC submission by Jan. 30, and an NCPC presentation on March 5.
  • The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s lawsuit continues after a judge declined to order an immediate halt, and a National Park Service assessment warned of long‑term adverse effects on the White House setting despite functional benefits.