President Donald Trump hires architect Shalom Baranes for the White House ballroom after reported disagreements with the original designer.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has hired a new architect for his privately funded White House ballroom project.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle confirmed architect Shalom Baranes has joined the team to execute Trump’s vision.
“The administration is excited to share that the highly talented Shalom Baranes has joined the team of experts,” Ingle stated.
Baranes’ firm previously modernised the US Treasury building and renovated the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks.
This follows reported disagreements with the project’s original designer, classical architect James McCrery.
US media reported Trump had differences with McCrery over the ballroom’s size and his firm’s ability to meet deadlines.
A project insider said McCrery would remain a “valuable consultant” on the development.
They described the move as “not a replacement but rather a passing of the baton as the project develops into new phases.”
Trump has demolished the entire East Wing to make way for the new ballroom.
He says the facility will have a capacity for 1,000 people and be fully privately funded at an estimated cost of $300 million.
The plans have sparked concerns the new building could overshadow the main White House mansion.
The project has yet to undergo any form of public review. – AFP
