Trump may add second floor to White House West Wing for ballroom symmetry

The Trump administration presented detailed plans for a US$400-million White House ballroom renovation that include a possible second-storey West Wing addition; the proposal was shown to the National Capital Planning Commission.

The administration presented detailed plans for a US$400-million renovation that would add a large ballroom to the White House complex and include blueprints for a possible second-storey addition to the West Wing. The proposal was shown at a National Capital Planning Commission meeting and covers roughly 89,000 square feet, with a 22,000-square-foot ballroom expected to seat about 1,000 guests. This was the first public presentation of detailed plans since the East Wing was demolished last year. Officials said the new East Wing will include a two-storey colonnade connecting the East Room to the new ballroom. Key details: - The plan was presented to the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees federal building construction. - The proposed project totals about 89,000 square feet and would include a 22,000-square-foot ballroom with seating for roughly 1,000 guests. - Officials discussed a one-storey addition to the West Wing colonnade to match the two-storey East Wing and also showed plans for a possible second-storey West Wing addition aimed at visual symmetry. - Project architect Shalom Baranes said the team was not seeking to increase the overall scale and noted reducing the ballroom's height was "not impossible." - Opponents have raised concerns the new construction could overshadow the main mansion and challenged the work legally; a federal judge declined to halt construction while the lawsuit proceeds. - The NCPC meeting was chaired by Will Scharf, who said the public will have a chance to comment at a later meeting; some commissioners voiced size concerns while others expressed support. Summary: If carried out as shown, the renovation would add substantial built space and a large formal ballroom to the White House complex and alter the site's layout. The National Capital Planning Commission will continue its review and will include a public comment period at a later meeting. Legal challenges have been filed and remain part of the process as the project moves forward.