In a significant development, President Trump has engaged a new architectural firm, Shalom Baranes Associates, to assist in the design of the White House ballroom. This decision comes despite ongoing disagreements with the current architect, James McCrery, who will continue to serve in a consulting capacity. Sources familiar with the situation shared the news with CBS News, highlighting the evolving nature of this esteemed project.
The Washington, D.C.-based firm, Shalom Baranes Associates, is renowned for its contributions to the architectural landscape of the nation's capital over the decades. White House spokesman Davis Ingle expressed confidence in the new architect's capabilities, stating that their expertise will be invaluable in navigating the next phase of the ballroom project. Ingle described the upcoming ballroom as potentially the most significant addition to the White House since the iconic Oval Office.
Reports indicate that architect James McCrery and President Trump have experienced some friction concerning the ballroom's design, particularly regarding its size and how it will harmonize with the existing structure of the White House. These disagreements have been covered in detail by various media outlets, including The Washington Post. Despite these conflicts, a spokesperson for McCrery has not provided any comments on the matter.
The White House is set to submit its construction plans for the ballroom to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) this month. According to Will Scharf, the chairman of the NCPC, the plans will undergo a standard review process, ensuring thorough consideration. Scharf expressed his anticipation for the commission to contribute constructively to what he termed one of Washington's most important projects.
In a related development, Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut introduced new legislation aimed at ensuring that significant construction efforts involving the White House receive appropriate oversight. The proposed bill, known as the No Palaces Act, mandates that the NCPC review any demolition activities before they commence and requires congressional approval for any privately-funded construction projects at the White House. Blumenthal emphasized that this legislation seeks to protect historic sites from potential reckless destruction by future administrations.
During a recent Cabinet meeting, President Trump shared his views on the ongoing construction of the ballroom. He noted that while the project is progressing well, it has not been without its challenges, particularly for First Lady Melania Trump, who is reportedly less than enthusiastic about the noise generated by the construction. Trump humorously recounted a conversation with his wife about the persistent sound of pile drivers, stating, "Darling, could you turn off the pile drivers? Sorry, darling. That's progress." He remains optimistic about the ballroom's eventual outcome, predicting it will be the finest ballroom ever built.