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White House opts for demolition over renovation of East Wing
U.S. officials have confirmed that demolishing and rebuilding the White House's East Wing was more cost-effective than renovating the existing structure, which they described as structurally flawed. The decision clears the way for a $400 million ballroom funded by private donors, a project championed by former President Donald Trump.
Structural issues cited as key factor
Josh Fisher, director of the White House Office of Administration, told the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) that the East Wing suffered from "significant deficiencies," including "chronic water intrusion, accelerated deterioration, and mold contamination." He argued that a full rebuild would offer the "lowest total cost of ownership" over time.
The wing was demolished in October to make room for the new ballroom, which is now projected to cost double its original estimate.
Controversy over transparency and oversight
Phil Mendelson, chair of the District of Columbia Council and an NCPC member, questioned why the full scope of the project wasn't presented to the commission before demolition began. Fisher responded that certain aspects of the ballroom's construction were classified as "top secret."
William Scharf, the commission's chair and a Trump appointee, noted that the NCPC typically lacks jurisdiction over demolition work at the White House, where the president has broad authority to approve renovations. The National Park Service oversees the White House grounds, but the president's powers supersede routine oversight.
Ballroom design sparks architectural debate
Architect Shalom Baranes revealed that the new ballroom will span 22,000 square feet and accommodate 1,000 guests for formal dinners. The design includes two entry lobbies, a commercial kitchen, an office for the first lady, and a movie theater. The addition will also expand the West Wing with a second story to create symmetry with the new East Wing.
The total area of the rebuilt East Wing, including the ballroom and two floors, will exceed 89,000 square feet-larger than the existing White House residence (55,000 square feet) and the West Wing (40,000 square feet). A two-story colonnade will connect the ballroom to the White House's East Room.
U.S. media reported that a previous architect clashed with Trump over the ballroom's scale, warning it would dwarf the rest of the White House.
Legal challenge seeks to halt construction
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit tasked with preserving historic sites, sued the White House in December to stop the project. The group argues that the administration bypassed required reviews before demolishing the East Wing and failed to submit plans to the NCPC before construction began.
The White House maintains that the ballroom will be completed before Trump's term ends in January 2029.
