Trump taps new architect to reshape White House as $300M ballroom build accelerates
In a significant development for the White House, President Donald Trump has appointed Shalom Baranes Associates, a prominent architectural firm based in Washington, D.C., to lead the next phase of the White House ballroom project. This announcement came on Thursday, highlighting the administration’s commitment to realizing what they describe as a monumental addition to the White House, akin to the historical importance of the Oval Office. According to White House spokesperson Davis Ingle, Baranes is not only an accomplished architect but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural landscape of the nation’s capital over the years. His expertise is expected to be instrumental in translating President Trump’s vision for the ballroom into reality.
The ballroom project, which began construction in October, involves the demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House and is being privately funded, with costs now estimated at $300 million—an increase from the initial $200 million projection made earlier in the year. Trump initially selected McCrery Architects for the design but has retained them as consultants to ensure a smooth transition and continued collaboration on the project. During a recent cabinet meeting, Trump shared insights about the ongoing construction, humorously noting that his wife is less than enthusiastic about the noise from the pile drivers, which have been active around the clock. He emphasized the necessity of the renovation, claiming that it has been overdue for 150 years, and expressed confidence that the new ballroom will be “the finest ballroom ever built.” The administration aims to complete the project before the end of Trump’s term, with the ballroom designed to host large gatherings and state visits, further enhancing the White House’s capacity for official functions.
As this ambitious project unfolds, it reflects not only Trump’s architectural aspirations but also his administration’s broader vision for the White House as a symbol of American grandeur and hospitality. The choice of Baranes, whose past works have influenced the capital’s architectural identity, underscores the administration’s intention to blend historical significance with modern functionality in this landmark renovation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVOmWTlFA5Q
President
Donald Trump
on Thursday hired a new architect to lead the next phase of the White House ballroom project.
Trump tapped Shalom Baranes Associates, a Washington, D.C.-based architectural firm to oversee the ballroom design effort.
“As we begin to transition into the next stage of development on the White House Ballroom, the Administration is excited to share that the highly talented Shalom Baranes has joined the team of experts to carry out President Trump’s vision on building what will be the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office — the White House Ballroom,” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement.
Ingle added, “Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the
architectural identity of our nation’s capital
for decades and his experience will be a great asset to the completion of this project.”
WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO REPORTS TRUMP NAMED NEW BALLROOM AFTER HIMSELF
Trump initially chose McCrery Architects to design the ballroom. McCrery will remain a valuable consultant on the project, a White House official told Fox News.
Construction started on the ballroom
in October, leading to the demolition of the White House’s historic East Wing.
The project is being privately funded at an estimated cost of $300 million, up from a $200 million estimate in July when the project was unveiled.
FIRST LADY DOLLEY MADISON WOULD HAVE HAD A BALL WITH TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE RENOVATIONS
Trump provided an update on construction during a cabinet meeting Tuesday, saying,
”
I wouldn’t say my wife is thrilled.”
”
She hears pile drivers in the background all day, all night,” he said.
The president said the overhaul has been needed for 150 years
,
adding,
“I think it’s going to be the finest ballroom ever built.”
The White House previously said the long-envisioned addition will be designed to host large gatherings and state visits, and will be completed before the end of Trump’s term.
