Trump appoints new architect for White House ballroom

President Donald Trump has engaged a new architect to lead the creation of an expansive ballroom at the White House, officials confirmed. The change follows reports of disagreements with the former architect, James McCrery, regarding the scale and design of the project. The White House announced that Shalom Baranes Associates will now manage the construction, while Mr. McCrery will stay on as a consultant.

Construction began after the East Wing was removed in October to make way for the multi-million dollar ballroom, which officials described as a "necessary and luxurious addition" to the residence. Initial plans envisioned a ballroom for 500 guests, but the design has since grown to accommodate up to 1,350 people.

Reports indicate that Mr. McCrery was concerned the 90,000 sq ft (8,360 sq m) project might overwhelm the existing White House structures. For comparison, the main residence covers 55,000 sq ft and the West Wing, including the Oval Office, spans 40,000 sq ft. It remains uncertain whether Mr. McCrery chose to step aside voluntarily. Sources told The Washington Post that he wished to stay involved due to concerns about the potential quality of work from a new architect.

The White House stated that various construction phases would require the addition of new teams. Davis Ingle, a White House spokesperson, praised Shalom Baranes Associates, highlighting their decades-long impact on the capital's architectural identity and noting their expertise will greatly benefit the project. He described the ballroom as "the most significant White House addition since the Oval Office."

Plans for the new ballroom were first announced in July, fulfilling one of Trump's long-standing goals. The project is being funded entirely by Trump and private donors. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) will review the construction plan before work proceeds.

The project has faced criticism from preservation groups and political opponents over concerns about oversight. In response, Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced legislation requiring NCPC approval for any demolition of historic federal buildings. The proposed "No Palaces Act" aims to ensure that future renovations to historic sites like the East Wing are carefully evaluated by both the commission and Congress.

Analysis: White House Ballroom Expansion Under New Leadership

The recent appointment of Shalom Baranes Associates to oversee the White House ballroom construction reflects a strategic shift after reported disagreements with the previous architect, James McCrery. Sources indicate that McCrery was concerned about the 90,000 sq ft project's scale relative to the existing White House structures.

By comparison, the main residence is 55,000 sq ft, and the West Wing, including the Oval Office, is 40,000 sq ft. The updated plans now accommodate up to 1,350 guests, significantly larger than the initially planned 500.

The transition appears carefully managed, with McCrery remaining as a consultant, ensuring continuity and oversight during the design and construction phases. White House officials have emphasized that Shalom Baranes Associates bring extensive experience in shaping Washington’s architectural identity.

Critics, including preservation groups and some lawmakers, have raised concerns about oversight and potential impacts on historic structures. Legislative proposals, such as the "No Palaces Act," aim to enforce stricter review by the National Capital Planning Commission and Congress before demolition or major renovations.

Overall, the project illustrates both the ambition of the current administration’s plans for the White House and the careful navigation required to balance historic preservation, architectural integrity, and political scrutiny.

Sources:

• Trump hires new architect for White House ballroom