President Donald Trump has replaced the architect overseeing his ambitious $300 million White House ballroom project, marking a significant change in leadership for one of his most high-profile construction endeavors. The White House announced Thursday that architect Shalom Baranes will now take over the project, while former lead architect James McCrery will remain in an advisory role.
The leadership change comes amid reported disagreements over the design approach for the massive ballroom addition. According to sources familiar with the project, McCrery had advocated for a more restrained architectural approach to ensure the new ballroom would not overshadow the existing White House structure. This conservative design philosophy apparently clashed with Trump's vision for the project, leading to tensions between the architect and the administration.
The proposed ballroom represents one of Trump's most ambitious construction projects during his presidency, with an estimated cost of $300 million. The facility is intended to serve as a grand venue for state dinners, diplomatic receptions, and other high-profile White House events. Trump has viewed the project as a way to enhance the White House's capacity to host large-scale events while creating a lasting architectural legacy.
Baranes, the newly appointed lead architect, brings extensive experience in high-profile construction projects and is expected to align more closely with Trump's vision for the ballroom. The architect transition suggests that the administration is moving toward a more ambitious and prominent design that would make a stronger visual statement on the White House grounds.
The ballroom project has faced criticism from various quarters, including historical preservationists and budget watchdogs who question both the necessity and cost of such an addition to the presidential residence. Critics argue that the massive expenditure could be better allocated to other government priorities, while supporters contend that modernizing White House facilities is essential for effective diplomatic functions.
Construction on the project has already begun on the White House grounds, with preliminary work visible in recent months. The architectural change is expected to result in some delays as the new design team reviews and potentially modifies existing plans. The White House has not provided a revised timeline for completion of the ballroom project following the leadership transition.
