Trump Taps New Architect for $300M White House Ballroom

President Donald Trump has appointed a new architect to spearhead his ambitious $300 million gilded ballroom project, replacing the original designer who oversaw the initial stages of the massive undertaking. The White House has confirmed that Shalom Baranes, an architect renowned for his work on significant federal buildings, will now lead the development of what is envisioned as a grand new addition to the presidential complex.

The transition follows reports from the Washington Post, first published on Thursday and corroborated by three individuals with knowledge of the matter. These sources indicated that James McCrery II and his specialized firm had been at the helm of the extensive project for over three months, concluding their primary involvement in late October.

A Change in Leadership

Disagreements between the president and McCrery emerged during their collaboration, particularly concerning Trump’s desire to expand the already substantial 90,000-square-foot ballroom’s dimensions. While creative differences were present, a source familiar with the project cited the firm’s limited staffing and a series of missed deadlines as the ultimate catalysts for the change in leadership. It remains unclear whether McCrery’s departure was voluntary, though one source noted that the parting of ways occurred on amicable terms. Despite the change, the White House has stated that McCrery will continue to serve as a consultant on the project, offering his expertise as it progresses.

New Visionary Takes Helm

The selection of Shalom Baranes signals a new phase for the high-profile project. Baranes brings a wealth of experience, having previously contributed to numerous prominent federal endeavors, including the main Treasury building situated near the White House. His appointment has been met with significant praise from the administration.

White House spokesperson David Ingle issued a written statement lauding the new architect. “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 – the White House Ballroom,” Ingle stated. He further added, “Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades and his experience will be a great asset to the completion of this project.”

Project’s Controversial Beginnings

The White House ballroom initiative has not been without its share of controversy. In October, the project drew widespread criticism following the release of satellite imagery that revealed the complete demolition of the East Wing. This development directly contradicted President Trump’s earlier assurances that the existing structure would remain untouched. The images sparked public outcry and raised questions about the transparency and planning of the ambitious construction. The extensive nature of the proposed gilded ballroom, with its significant cost and footprint, continues to draw public and media attention.

With Baranes now at the forefront, the administration aims to move forward with President Trump’s vision for a grand White House Ballroom, emphasizing the new architect’s capabilities to navigate the complexities of such a monumental federal undertaking.

Source: The Guardian