US EditionWhite House considers second floor to West Wing for ‘symmetry’ with ballroom
The White House plans a modest second story on the West Wing colonnade to restore symmetry with the new 22,000-square-foot East Wing ballroom, seating 1,000 guests.
- On Jan. 8, 2026, aides presented conceptual ballroom plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, with Shalom Baranes, lead architect hired in December, leading the presentation.
- Aiming to restore symmetry, the White House considers adding a second storey to the West Wing colonnade alongside the East Wing demolition and new ballroom construction.
- The proposed ballroom would measure about 2,043 sq m with capacity for 1,000 seated guests, and the project has an overall footprint of 89,000 square feet with a north end about 60 feet high.
- Two commissioners voiced reservations about the project's size, Will Scharf said, "That, to me, is not a good look for the United States of America," and no vote occurred as public comment and lawsuits continue.
- The White House will submit more advanced ballroom designs to the National Capital Planning Commission at a future meeting as construction crews work this month on footings and below-grade concrete.
110 Articles
110 Articles
Demolishing East Wing for new ballroom more cost-effective than renovation, says White House
White House officials informed members of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) that the wing was marred by issues such as "chronic water intrusion, accelerated deterioration and mould contamination"
Trump’s Unveiled Ballroom Plans Reveal Bigger, Taller White House Addition
by Thomas Wong at CDN - WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s ambitious vision for an East Wing modernization and state ballroom addition to the White House underwent its first test of public scrutiny Thursday, as designers presented the project before the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) for approval to start construction as early as April. White House Office of Administration Director … Click to read the rest HERE-> Trump’s Unveiled…
'It still seems overwhelming': Officials finally explain why they demolished the East Wing, but one Democrat isn't buying it
The White House told officials that saving the East Wing was impossible due to serious structural problems. They shared details about President Donald Trump’s planned ballroom at a public meeting with the commission that needs to approve it. Josh Fisher, who leads the White House Office of Administration, explained that an unstable colonnade, water leaks, mold, and other issues made tearing down the East Wing cheaper than fixing it. The $400 mil…
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