Trump Engages New Architect for White House Ballroom Following Disagreements About Its Design

Donald Trump has selected a new architect to oversee the design of the White Houses ambitious ballroom project following reported disagreements with the previous architect over the scope and scale of the plans.

Shalom Baranes Associates, based in Washington, D.C., will now direct the multi-million-dollar renovation, replacing James McCrery, whose firm initially held the contract. White House officials emphasized that McCrery will remain involved as a consultant, describing Baranes involvement as a passing of the baton as the project enters its next phase.

Sources indicate that tensions arose due to the ballrooms expanding footprint and concerns about whether McCrerys firm could handle a project of this size. Reports suggest McCrery worried the grand design might overshadow the historic character of the White House, whose Executive Residence totals approximately 55,000 square feet, with the West Wing adding around 40,000 square feet.

The project has faced scrutiny from preservationists and lawmakers, particularly following the East Wing demolition in October. Questions about historic oversight prompted the introduction of the No Palaces Act by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, which would require approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) before altering historic federal buildings. The White House maintains NCPC approval was not necessary for the East Wing demolition but has committed to submitting the ballroom plans to the commission.

The ballrooms design has expanded significantly since its announcement. Initially planned as a 90,000-square-foot space seating 500650 guests, the capacity has grown to accommodate between 900 and 1,350 people. Costs have also increased from an estimated $200 million to around $300 million, with Trump stating that all funding comes from donors, including himself. He has described the new ballroom as the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office.

Shalom Baranes Associates has prior experience designing large-scale federal projects, including the General Services Administrations national headquarters. A White House spokesperson praised the firm as highly talented, noting that their expertise will be key to realizing Trumps vision for the space.

Author: Caleb Jennings