The White House is starting a big makeover that will give the presidential residence a brand‑new ballroom while paying tribute to the many renovations it has had over its 225‑year history.
A New Ballroom for the White House
The first stage of the project began on Monday when demolition crews started tearing down part of the East Wing to make room for the new ballroom. President Donald Trump plans to turn the space into a 90,000‑sq‑ft venue that can hold about 900 guests—up 40 % from the 650‑person layout announced in July. The total cost is pegged at $250 million, an increase from the earlier estimate of $200 million.
Trump says the ballroom will be “phenomenal” and “one of the best anywhere in the world.” He argues that tents on the South Lawn aren’t enough for the level of diplomatic events the White House hosts. The design features four sides of glass, floor‑to‑ceiling arched windows and chandeliers, all echoing the aesthetic of his Mar‑a‑Lago ballroom in Palm Beach. The new rooms will blend seamlessly with the historic façade.
The White House’s Big Past Renovations
1817 – Rebuilding After the Fire
When British troops set the original White House on fire in 1814, President James Madison fled to safety. Reconstruction began under architect James Hoban and finished in 1817, restoring the residence to its original design and adding the South and North Porticos in the 1820s.
1902 – The West Wing and Oval Office
President Theodore Roosevelt hired Charles F. McKim of McKim, Mead & White to expand the White House for the growing number of international visitors. This led to the construction of the West Wing—now home to the Oval Office—and set the stage for Washington’s role as a visitor hub. The Oval Office opened in 1909 under President William Howard Taft.
1942 – Adding the East Wing
World War II prompted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to add the East Wing to accommodate a larger staff. The wing also covered the underground Presidential Emergency Operations Center, which remains active today.
1948‑1952 – Truman’s Major Restoration
During the Truman administration, engineers discovered serious structural problems: weakened wood beams, aging plumbing, and outdated electrical systems. The administration spent $5.7 million (about $78 million today) on a complete interior rebuild, replacing the old framework with modern concrete and steel while preserving the exterior walls. The overhaul saved the White House from collapse and set a precedent for future renovations.
Why the Current Project Matters
The new ballroom will allow the White House to host more dignitaries and high‑profile events in a modern, grand setting, while the ongoing work keeps the historic building safe and functional. Each renovation—from Hoban’s 1817 rebuild to Truman’s 1950s overhaul—showed how the residence adapts to the needs of its occupants and the nation.
As demolition crews continue to work on the East Wing, the world watches how the iconic 1600 Pennsylvania Ave will blend tradition and modernity in its next chapter.
Source: New York Post
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