New Architect Hired for Donald Trump's White House Ballroom Following Design Controversy

The White House ballroom project has a new lead architect. Officials confirmed on Friday that Shalom Baranes Associates, based in Washington, D.C., will now oversee the design, taking over from James McCrery.

Although McCrery will no longer direct the project, he is expected to remain involved as a consultant. The White House described this as a transition of leadership rather than a termination.

Reports suggest that President Trump and McCrery had disagreements regarding the ballrooms design. The conflicts reportedly centered on the scale and overall vision for the project.

The project is now entering a new phase, where the expertise of Shalom Baranes Associates is expected to play a key role. Initially, concerns were raised that the previous design by McCrery might overshadow the historic character of the residence.

The White House residence covers approximately 55,000 square feet, with the West Wing occupying around 40,000 square feet. The ballroom is planned for the East Wing, which has raised some concerns from First Lady Melania Trump, given that her office is located in that area.

Preservation advocates and lawmakers have also expressed scrutiny regarding the project. Senator Richard Blumenthal recently introduced the No Palaces Act, requiring National Planning Commission (NPC) approval before any historic federal building could be altered or demolished. The White House maintains that NPC approval is not necessary for this ballroom project.

Author: Noah Whitman