White House East Wing Demolished to Build New Ballroom: Before-and-After Photos

The East Wing of the White House has begun demolition to make room for a new ballroom proposed by President Donald Trump. Originally constructed in 1902, it underwent expansions during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency in 1942. The current renovation aims to create a 90,000-square-foot ballroom with a budget of $300 million, designed to host up to 650 guests.

Demolition Details and Renovation Timeline

The demolition process started on October 23, 2023. This marks a significant transformation in the White House’s layout, which currently features three main sections: the Executive Residence, the West Wing, and the East Wing.

• Original East Wing Construction: Built in 1902 under President Theodore Roosevelt.
• Expansion: Franklin D. Roosevelt added offices and a second floor in 1942.
• Demolition Start Date: October 23, 2023.
• New Ballroom Size: 90,000 square feet, larger than the Executive Residence (55,000 square feet).
• Planned Capacity: The ballroom will accommodate up to 650 people.
• Construction Cost: Approximately $300 million.

Historical Context and Future Features

The new ballroom will replace the former East Wing, which served as both a visitor entrance and operational space, including the Office of the First Lady. The East Wing has housed many important functions since its renovation in the 1970s.

One significant challenge involves the integration of the new structure with the existing White House design. Previous renovations have been executed by past presidents, but Trump’s changes represent one of the most extensive overhauls in years.

Funding and Support

The project is reportedly funded by Donald Trump and various donors, including major tech firms like Amazon and Google. This funding strategy has raised concerns among preservation advocates about the project’s overall impact on the White House historic design.

Public Reaction and Preservation Concerns

Responses to the renovation have been mixed. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has voiced concerns regarding how the new ballroom may overshadow the classic design of the White House. They have urged a pause on the demolition until thorough public reviews are conducted.

Hillary Clinton also publicly criticized the project, emphasizing that the White House belongs to the public, not the individual president. In contrast, the White House administration has labeled opposition to the renovation as “manufactured outrage.” They argue that this project is in line with the rich history of White House enhancements aimed at upholding its status as a symbol of American excellence.

As of now, images of the ongoing demolition process highlight the significant changes taking place at the White House, marking a new chapter in its architectural history.