In a significant development regarding the planned gilded ballroom at the White House, former President Donald Trump has made the decision to replace the architect initially selected to oversee the $300 million project. This news was first reported by the Washington Post, which cited three sources familiar with the situation.
Architect James McCrery II and his boutique firm had been leading the ballroom project for over three months, up until late October. During this time, there were reported disagreements between Trump and McCrery, particularly regarding Trump's proposal to expand the ballroom's size, which spans an impressive 90,000 square feet. However, the change in leadership was ultimately attributed to the firm’s limited staffing and missed deadlines, as noted by one source familiar with the situation.
While it remains unclear whether McCrery chose to step aside voluntarily, one insider indicated that he and Trump parted on amicable terms. This transition marks a notable shift in the project’s direction.
Trump has now appointed Shalom Baranes as the new architect for the White House ballroom project. This selection has been confirmed by the White House, which expressed enthusiasm about Baranes' involvement. Recognized for his previous work on significant federal projects, including the main Treasury building located near the White House, Baranes has received high praise from David Ingle, a White House spokesperson.
Ingle stated, “As we begin to transition into the next stage of development on the White House Ballroom, the administration is excited to share that the highly talented Shalom Baranes has joined the team of experts to carry out President Trump’s vision on building what will be the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office.” He further emphasized Baranes' extensive experience and the positive impact it will have on the project’s completion.
Despite the leadership change, the White House has confirmed that James McCrery will continue to serve as a consultant on the ballroom project. This role suggests that his expertise will still contribute to the final outcome of the ambitious undertaking.
In October, Trump faced considerable backlash after satellite images revealed the complete demolition of the East Wing, a move that contradicted his previous assurances that the existing structure would remain intact. This controversy adds a layer of complexity to the ballroom project, highlighting the challenges that can arise during large-scale renovations at the White House.
As the project progresses under the new architectural leadership of Shalom Baranes, many will be watching closely to see how this high-profile endeavor unfolds in the coming months.