By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump has appointed a new lead architect for the $300 million renovation of the White House ballroom, a White House official announced on Thursday.
Shalom Baranes, a prominent architect known for shaping much of Washington’s modern architectural landscape, will now lead the project. He replaces James McCrery, who will continue to support the effort in a consulting role.
“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,” said White House spokesman Davis Ingle. He added that Baranes is an “accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades.”
A Major Addition to the White House Complex
The ballroom renovation—designed in a classical style—will span 90,000 square feet, making it one of the largest construction projects undertaken at the White House in decades. Once completed, the venue is expected to host 650 to 1,000 guests for state dinners and major ceremonial events.
The project is being financed through private donations and is scheduled for completion by the end of Trump’s term in early 2029. Demolition of the aging East Wing began in October after Trump described the structure as being in poor condition.
Past Renovations Under Trump
President Trump has previously overseen several notable updates to the White House grounds:
Rose Garden (2020): Transformed into a stone patio reminiscent of its 1962 Kennedy-era design, with modernized drainage, upgraded utilities, and television-friendly lighting. Trump also renamed it the Rose Garden Club.
Oval Office: Enhanced with gold-themed decor.
Lincoln Bathroom: Redesigned with a marble aesthetic.
Trump has also advocated for upgrades across federal properties during his second term, including tapping golf legend Jack Nicklaus to oversee renovations of the Joint Base Andrews golf course.
Review and Oversight
As construction moves forward, Trump has replaced several members of the Commission of Fine Arts, the body responsible for reviewing federal architectural designs. The National Capital Planning Commission, chaired by Trump aide Will Scharf, will evaluate the project’s phased submissions.
The White House has undergone major renovations throughout its history—from structural overhauls under President Truman in the 1950s to Theodore Roosevelt’s construction of the West Wing. Later presidents have also left their mark, including President Nixon’s addition of the White House bowling alley.
Trump’s ballroom renovation represents one of the most ambitious expansions to the historic residence in modern times.
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