Trump Appointees Seek 3D Models Amid Concerns Over White House Ballroom Design

During a recent online meeting, commissioners appointed by President Donald Trump expressed concerns regarding the scale and design of the proposed White House ballroom. They requested 3D scale models to better assess how the addition would integrate with the existing structure. Lead architect Shalom Baranes presented renderings of the 90,000-square-foot expansion, which includes a 22,000-square-foot ballroom. Commissioners asked Baranes to provide physical models of the White House complex, including the Treasury Department and Eisenhower Executive Office Building, to evaluate the project's impact on the historic site.

Baranes emphasized efforts to ensure the addition respects the White House's architectural integrity, noting plans to set back the north boundary from the existing North Portico and align the new structure's height with the main facade. Despite these measures, some commissioners remained concerned about the project's scale, particularly the proposed 10-column, multistory porch on the south side, which they described as "immense."

Public feedback has been largely negative, with comments criticizing both the design and the process. One commenter noted that while the design style is commendable, "the scale appears oversized, making the main structure dominated."

The meeting is part of ongoing reviews by the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, both of which play roles in assessing federal construction projects in Washington, D.C. Historic preservationists have sought a court order to suspend the $400 million project, arguing that the administration lacks congressional approval for such a significant undertaking. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon is expected to issue a decision on the request for a preliminary injunction next month.