Trump aides present plans for a new $400 million White House ballroom and a potential West Wing addition to a federal commission in Washington.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s aides presented plans for a new $400 million White House ballroom to a federal oversight commission on Thursday.
The team also revealed it is considering adding a second story to part of the West Wing.
Trump, who had the East Wing demolished last year, champions the roughly 89,000-square-foot project to replace it.
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Architect Shalom Baranes told the National Capital Planning Commission the ballroom will be about 22,000 square feet and seat 1,000 guests.
He said the total new East Wing area, including two floors and the ballroom, would slightly exceed 89,000 square feet.
Baranes stated the administration is considering a one-story addition to the West Wing colonnade “to restore a sense of symmetry”.
The new structure will be the same height as the existing White House building.
Preservationists have criticised the demolition, which destroyed offices and a movie theatre.
A federal judge last month showed little inclination to halt the project despite an ongoing lawsuit.
Trump’s aides say they did not need approval for the demolition but are seeking it for the new construction.
Most commissioners offered broad support for the project during the hearing.
Commission chairman Will Scharf echoed Trump’s view that a new ballroom is necessary for state dinners.
“I think it’s notable that when the president of the United States of America flies to the United Kingdom, he’s hosted at Windsor Castle,” Scharf said.
White House official Josh Fisher said old infrastructure made demolition the most economical strategy.
Plans for improvements to Lafayette Park and a new security centre will be submitted soon.
Trump wants the ballroom finished before his term concludes in three years. – Reuters
