President Trump has formally appointed architect Shalom Baranes to lead the massive and contentious new White House ballroom project — a move that reshapes one of the most ambitious expansions of the Executive Mansion in decades.
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Shalom Baranes Named New Lead Architect
After growing delays and internal clashes over design scope, the Trump administration has replaced the original architect for its planned ballroom with Shalom Baranes. The previous lead, whose small boutique firm struggled to meet deadlines, will remain involved in a lesser, consulting role while Baranes assumes full responsibility for the project’s next phase.
The decision marks a pivot to a more experienced, well-established firm. Baranes’ track record includes high-profile federal renovations in Washington, D.C. — design credits that helped seal his selection for this high-stakes assignment.
An Ambitious Ballroom: Scope and Cost
- The planned addition spans approximately 90,000 square feet.
- Cost estimates have risen to about $300 million.
- The ballroom is designed to hold nearly 1,000 guests, a dramatic expansion from earlier projections of 650.
- The project requires the demolition of the prior East Wing — a portion of the mansion’s historic structure.
With White House approval, preparations to integrate the new construction fully into the grounds have already begun.
Why the Change? Behind the Scaled-Up Vision
The shift in architects stems from a growing disparity between the original design’s modest scope and the White House’s escalating ambitions. The former architect’s firm lacked the staff and capacity to manage such a massive undertaking. Meanwhile, the project’s expansion — both in footprint and intended grandeur — demanded a firm with demonstrated capability handling large-scale federal construction. Baranes’ firm fits that bill.
A White House spokesperson emphasized Baranes’ decades-long influence on D.C. architecture and credited his team’s expertise as “a great asset” to realizing the administration’s vision.
Regulatory and Preservation Concerns
The project has drawn criticism from preservationists, architects, and lawmakers who argue the scale and lack of early oversight threaten the historic integrity of the White House. The demolition of the East Wing — once considered a permanent fixture of the grounds — triggered alarm among critics.
In response, legislation dubbed the “No Palaces Act” has been introduced, aiming to mandate independent oversight and congressional approval for major privately funded changes to the White House. Detractors argue such sweeping changes blur the line between public heritage and personal legacy.
What Happens Next
The administration has committed to submitting the ballroom’s detailed plans to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) this month. Once submitted, the NCPC — now chaired by a Trump appointee — will begin its formal review process at a “normal and deliberative pace,” according to its chairman.
Meanwhile, demolition and heavy construction are already underway, as crews mobilize equipment and materials to prepare the site. With construction already in motion, oversight, design integrity, and historical preservation remain flashpoints.
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