Today’s post is a continuation of Sunday’s post about the White House Renovation– and building of a new ballroom, because I have a few more things to share.
In Part 1, we explored the design and scale of the proposed White House Ballroom. In this follow-up, I’m focusing on the real tragedy of the White House Renovation—the destruction of the historic East Wing and the Jackie Kennedy Garden, a living memorial that can never be replaced.
While no laws were explicitly broken, the custodial parties are upset that this project has commenced without finalized plans and approval. Building without approval is unlawful, so the project cannot proceed until that’s finalized. From what I gather, that process can take months if not years.
Geeezzz, Laurel. You are a glutton for punishment.
No, actually, I’m not. You see, what happened on Sunday that should not have happened is exactly like this:
Now and then, I get a craving for peanuts in the shell. (I enjoy working for my food—haha.) Anyway, the other day I bought a medium-sized bag at that expensive grocer on Charles Street—Bostonians know it well. I was hungry, so I sat on a bench outside, cracked a few open, and they were delicious. Then I bit into one that tasted like gasoline. Of course, I couldn’t very well spit it out.
I took the rest home, tried a few more, and got another horrid nut that was even worse.
I hurled it into the sink and did whatever I could to get that awful taste out of my mouth.
That’s what reading your comments was like on Sunday. Most were sweet and savory—but a few were downright rotten.
Today is your chance for redemption.
If you cannot do that, or don’t realize you were writing with a poison pen, please do me a favor: take your smug sourpuss self and leave me and the sweet peanuts to have our moment in peace.
Most of us aren’t interested in vitriol, and I, for one, don’t want to have to spit you out either. However, if you can’t control yourself, please understand that you will be dumped into the garbage along with the other rancid nuts.
Thank you.
***
Okay, I decided not to tack this onto Sunday’s post because it was already pretty long. But if you missed Part 1, you must read it first. There’s a lot of pertinent information there that I won’t repeat, and this follow-up won’t make sense without it.
At the very least, read it before commenting, or we might end up with more of the same poison from those who think trolling is a form of civic duty.
Please also know there’s another mandatory assignment at the end of this post—something every loyal American citizen needs to see.
What went wrong with the White House renovation plans?
This isn’t about left or right. It’s not even, technically, about “the law,” because somehow the White House sits outside most of the normal rules.
Here’s what stunned me:
- The White House is exempt from the National Historic Preservation Act, the very law that protects almost every other historic federal building in America.
- The National Capital Planning Commission, which must review any new federal construction in Washington, D.C., claims it has no authority over demolition—only over the later vertical construction.
- So, yes—the East Wing and the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden were demolished before any formal plans or permits were filed.
Can you imagine? You and I can’t so much as replace a kitchen cabinet without stamped drawings and a permit, yet the most famous house in the country can lose 12,000 square feet—including a historic colonnade dating back to Jefferson—without any public review.
True, Jefferson’s original colonnade had to be torn down in 1866—it was beyond repair, coming on the heels of the Civil War.
But in 1902, with the genius firm McKim, Mead & White, the West Wing, East Colonnade, and the first iteration of the East Wing were designed and built. So, yes, part of what was torn down was 123 years old and an important part of the White House heritage.
It was freaking glorious.
Above is a 1920 image of the west wing and east wing in the distance. Please notice the beautiful rose garden.
Another interesting thing I read somewhere, that the West Wing was originally supposed to be a temporary building. And while they added on to it, the temporary structure remains. That’s an awfully good-looking building for something that wasn’t meant to last.
Now, let’s look more closely at the gone-forever east wing.
Above is from 1916
I believe this image was taken shortly after it was built in 1902.
The wings were expanded again during the Truman administration, and the main residence—near collapse—was gutted and rebuilt from within.
Then came First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who lovingly restored the interiors and the spirit of the White House itself.
CBS produced a fantastic documentary in 1962 where Jackie shares the White House history and takes us room to room, offering anecdotes about the furnishings, why they were chosen, and their significance.
We owe Jackie Kennedy Onassis (JKO) a tremendous debt of gratitude.
This film is required viewing—at least the first 30 minutes and the last 5 minutes. That is when President Kennedy speaks candidly about the history of the White House and its importance.
It’s funny, but you may recall that our glorious Boston Public Library was also designed by McKim, Mead, & White about 7 years before the White House’s 1902 additions and renovation.
The new Boston Public Library circa 1895.
And as is true with the White House, our Copley Square disaster is meeting up with the beautiful past in ways that lack harmony.
Geezzz. $19,000,000 for this renovation sounds like pocket change compared to $300,000,000 for the new ballroom!
Before you comment.
Please watch the JKO YouTube segments. It was filmed during a time of relative innocence. It breaks my heart watching it now.
I remember it well—I was in the second grade when President Kennedy was assassinated. We were sent home from school early. It was more awful than I can say.
I cannot imagine how heartsick the Kennedys would be if they knew that one of their precious “arms” had been literally chewed off—and Jackie’s garden, a living monument to her memory– leveled.
The real tragedy
The problem is simple: no oversight, no plan, and no accountability.
This has made realize just how much I love my country until I witnessed a part of its rich heritage being ripped away.
It’s often said that the West Wing is the brain of the White House; the East Wing is the heart.
Life cannot exist without a heart.
It’s gone—forever; it can’t be replaced. And that makes me sad.
Please enjoy this article in Elle Decor sharing past events in the east wing.
The only thing we can do is speak up to ensure that what replaces it meets the modern needs. But, that it does so in a way that continues to honor, respect, and preserve the past.
That is why I’m spending so much time on this. I feel quite strongly about this one. However, we’ll move on after this.
In closing, there is nothing wrong with change. It’s necessary, but especially with a project of this historic importance, the changes must be done with a tremendous amount of consideration for the project as a whole, not just one part.
In addition, I am concerned that there’s been adequate surveying, engineering and protection of the existing structures. This is why there are building codes and inspectors. Competent oversight is an essential component of a successful building project. It’s also essential for the protection of the people working and utilizing the space afterward.
Sorry. The comments have been turned off due to continued disregard for my wishes not to engage others in political debate. As I’ve said, this is not the forum for that. This post and the one prior are about design, not the current or past administrations.
I appreciate your understanding.
xo,
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43 Responses
This is going to be the most spectacular change to the White House in the history of White House renovations, certainly in the 123 years since 1902 when Theodore Roosevelt added the West Wing. The renderings show that it will be tasteful and grand, perhaps with a bit of Trump style opulence, with warm lighting, gorgeous crystal chandeliers and touches of gold, to suit the importance of the White House and the big state events that will host. It respects and fits the style, proportion and history of the White House and it will be a treasured and important addition. Kudos to President Trump for his vision in taking on this project. Take a look at the Obama Presidential Library in Chicago and imagine for a moment if Obama had done this addition during his terms. Eeeks. Leave it to a professional billionaire developer to do this right. For at least 70 years it has been needed to replace those dumb white tents they used to erect for large events. In terms of its contemporary construction, it will obviously be built much better than the White House. All future generations of Americans will be proud to see the photos of all the great events held there. The ballroom will create beautiful and priceless memories for Americans and visiting dignitaries from around the world. I also like that it’s all privately funded. That’s just icing on the cake.
I’m excited because James McCreary is the architect. Jim is also a professor at American University, which is a Catholic university, which is like Notre Dame, teaching classical design. Me, as a classicist, as a preservationist, I want a building that’s sensitive to that.
Hi Frank,
Thank you for your kind comment.
I am curious what line of work you’re in. I doubt very much it’s architecture because all of the classical architects I know are not at all keen on the design, as is.
I agree, the Obama library is hideous.
According to my research, since 2017, a tent has been erected on the
White House South Lawn for state dinners approximately five times.
The occasions that required a tent for state dinners include:
December 1, 2022: To honor French President Emmanuel Macron. This was the largest even with about 400 guests, although I saw it say 270 elsewhere.
May 23, 2023: To honor South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
October 26, 2023: For Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
May 23, 2024: To honor Kenyan President William Ruto.
October 29, 2024: To honor Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
As you can see, these were all during the Biden administration.
This administration did use a tent once to host a picnic and also an outdoor fireworks event. Otherwise, it appears he has not hosted an event during either term that required the use of an outdoor event because the indoor space was inadequate. Obviously events such as picnics are meant to be outside.
I can only conclude that it is rare for there to be an event at the White House that would require formal seating for even as many 400. It seems wasteful to me, to build such an overscale building for an event that except for the inauguration never happens.
I would love to be proven wrong. Find me the information that refutes what I’ve learned. My source is the internet, so it might not be 100% accurate, but usually, if AI doesn’t know, it says so. Incidentally, Teddy Roosevelt also added to the East wing in 1902. If you look at the images in the post, you’ll see where I shared at least 2 of them. Both buildings were added onto during the Truman renovation 1948-1952.
Some of these folks are very snarky and looking for only bad from their POTUS. How about giving him credit for at least being a very successful builder and restorer of many valuable historic properties. Have you ever been in the old post office building in DC? It was beautiful in my opinion. He owns beautiful golf properties, hotels, Mar A Lago which might not be to your taste, but I consider an historic property.
The article I posted from the WH Historical Association stated that things were extensively photographed and catalogued. The article said the plans haven’t even gone through the approval process yet due to shutdown. It did not say he’s starting to build! The WHHA has been working with the White House to prepare for changes. Per the article, the job of curator was to remove, catalog, and store the art, the official portraits of former First Ladies, and furnishings from the East Wing.
“Working with the curator and chief ushers, the association used 3D scanning technology ‘so that every room, space, nook and cranny,of the East Wing, whether it was molding or hinges or door knobs or whatever it was, was captured to the -nth degree’ to be digitally recreated as an exhibit or to teach the history of that space”
A photographer also documented the building as it was being taken apart.
I know this will not satisfy the naysayers, but to give the impression that he knows nothing of the value of or restoration of historic properties is ridiculous. Give it a rest til something is actually happening
Hi Mary,
I recently read about the cataloging. Something has already happened. That’s why I wrote these two posts. I stand behind everything I said, however, thank you for your input.
Dear Laurel, I think the next President should implode new ballroom on the fourth of July.
Hi Mildred,
I hope it won’t come to that and that the final design is toned down considerably. The largest state dinner in recent times was 400 guests under President Biden. President Trump has hosted two state dinners– in his first term. He has hosted none since the beginning of his second term.
Yes, that’s right. Or, at least, the most accurate information I could find.
An option I see as being one that would be an attractive solution would be having a mezzanine to be used for extra-large events. There are many hotel ballrooms that have this set-up and I find it to be an elegant solution when space is limited.
One thing I’m happy about is Trump’s insistence on new buildings being classical in nature. The problem stems from “What is classical?” Classical architecture is much more that Corinthian columns and Palladian windows, etc. There are distinct rules of proportion, including the relation to other buildings and the relation to the building to the site it’s built on.
The new building needs to relate to the executive mansion and should also relate to the west wing. It never has and that’s because both wings were done on the fly. However, on the fly in 1902 and with McKim, Meade, and White doing the designing, they were at least in competent hands.
Thank you for your time in researching and assembling these two posts on the East Wing. Thank you for exhibiting your passion.
I appreciated your reminder to watch the special on the White House w/Mrs. Kennedy. I watched it back then, along with my Mother. All I recall from it are Mrs. Kennedy’s beautiful gown and gloves, and that my Mom had tears running down her cheeks as we watched. Mom had passed before last Christmas Season, when one of my sisters and her family were photographed in the East Wing. I knew that photo would be a family classic, but had no idea as to the magnitude as to ‘why’, with the structure now demolished. The deep meaning attached to the place is immense for us, for personal reasons. We are but one family, holding similar memories. The pride on the faces of my family in the photo – well, the best descriptive I can give is caught in the lump in my throat as I write. We likely will never ‘get over’ the loss of this beautiful and historic space – inside and out. However, that photo will be displayed in our households in the future, becoming part of our decor.
As a sidenote, I’ve read a small bit about the symmetry of the design of Washington, D.C. – the compass directions, the placement of buildings, memorials, and such… all with intention, and precise measurement. The East and West Wings have not seemed to mirror that original concept. This is another piece of the current ‘plan’, or lack therof, that I find of concern.
I’ve been wondering if whatever was left behind in the East Wing demolition is being sold off or gifted to the donors. Oh, what I wouldn’t pay for a scoop of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden soil!
Sacrilegious – yes? YES! I’m so upset about the mutilation of this garden. And the secretive, dead-of-night demolition. The thought that the obliterated remains could turn a profit and is just sickening. Hopefully some journalist or blogger is looking at what happens to the demolition remains. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was beloved and historic and although it will never be the same, I hope it will be restored and rededicated in my lifetime.
Of course architectural design is going to be political, especially of an iconic historical building. Everything in art is political because it is a discipline that stirs deep emotions and the psyche and everyone has an opinion about how it was executed, how the artists/designers were chosen, how much it cost, etc. Lack of communication about the process leads to suspicion and less buy-in. Any change to a symbol of our nation would have been better accepted if we were taken along in the process instead of someone single-handedly calling all the shots. And for that firm that will build this ‘concept of a plan’ (for lack of a better term), what can they be thinking?
Effective communication might have tempered some of the outrage the majority in this country are experiencing. It would have been a messy process nonetheless. So what? People have strong opinions about public art and architecture. Nothing is as messy as having 3/4 of the country against your idea even before you get started.
Being a great builder doesn’t mean you’re a great designer. And even if private donations pick up the tab for this ballroom, U.S. tax payers will be on the hook for maintenance going forward in perpetuity. I don’t get the need for such a large space considering the president only hosted two WH state dinners in his first term.
People can feel deeply passionate about design. Years ago, I worked with a group of architects at a university when one of the faculty came into the office, confronted the administrators huddled in a meeting, complaining about the format of an in-house architecture publication. He loudly ripped the design format from here to kingdom come, and then slammed the journal down on the table yelling, “And in Times-Roman, for god’s sake!!” Back then I didn’t know a font from a footnote, but I’ve recoiled from using Times-Roman ever since. So, yes, there’s politics even with fonts.
Thank you, Laurel, for this blog and especially the video of the White House tour. What memories! I was a 13-yr -old schoolgirl waving to JFK and Jackie when they came through Dallas that horrible November day. Despite the years that have passed since then, the feelings of loss were stirred once more when we woke to the news of the destruction of this garden. I still can’t believe it.
Hi Terry,
You were there? Oh my!!!
Unsubscribing. Ballroom is Treasury building. For whatever reason you do not want your readers to know this. In the same blog you mention son in Israel and do not want this political. However, it is the reason Trump may bypass red tape and have his ballroom in the treasury building. War time President. Before you delete this as WE know you will. Go to the UK website Parliament and pull up State of Israel.
Read it.
Then type in State of Palestine. Read it. Map will return Palestine to 1963 map. Balfour agreement reversed.
In order to understand Historic Preservation and these Federal Buildings you must put the History in context. You also have to have a love of America and appreciation for the honor and sacrifice it took to be where we are. The Fed is the new museum for the Constitution. You are welcome! For the Republic for Which it stands…one Nation ,under God with liberty and Justice for all! The military is not just blowing smoke here Laurel.
Too late, Starr. You were already unsubscribed yesterday after the second unhinged comment that required deletion. I think I shall put them back.
There is a reason the White House is treated differently . It has to be the most secure building in the world , since it houses the leader of the free world . Updates have to be done and while it is disturbing , the main house was stripped to the studs years ago. I doubt it will ever be touched . The east and west wings are additions. Under the east wing is a bunker , that was used during 9/11. Has that structure become unsafe? The original plan was not to remove the whole east wing , but the construction officials said it had to be removed to make it secure.
Thank you for the thoughtful analysis! At least we’re all learning a lot about civics and history during this odd era we’re in.
You removed my comment claiming it is politics.I told you the ballroom is located in the Treasury. I cited US code and provided the the outline as to why and how the president is able to locate the Ballroom in that building. You do not like it. The United States Military does not care how you feel. You constantly complain yet I suspect you have never been to the White House. The street across from Treasury was blocked for many months Laurel. Do you know why? The Hotel Washington quietly changed hands and is now owned by shell company in Dubai. Boots on the ground here. The ballroom reception areas are already built. What is not built is the Hall leading to it. Censoring me will not change things. Constitutional Republic is not a political statement Laurel. It is 4th grade US History . The president has the power to add on to the White House without going through the red tape in the event of WAR. Trump was and is a War Time President and you censored the codes from your readers here. He has stated this many times. Two scenarios. State of Emergency and Constitutional Violation. Military Steps in. They stepped in. You have the nerve to spit on that. Hypocrite. It is me that wants to barf as you so eloquently put it. So stay away. You haven’t long to wait here. Under budget and ahead of schedule. Already done. Check on the Fed. Make sure you show it. I was there two days ago…
Laurel, thank you for this post, it is really informative. I live in a house built around the same time as the white house, in a similar neoclassical style (obviously not nearly as grand). It even has woodwork by A.H. Davenport, who got his start working widely in Greek Revival Boston area homes before ultimately doing woodwork for the white house. One thing I’ve learned through what you would correctly label a “hideous design mistake” is that gilt in any appreciable amount really does not go with neoclassical architecture. I can’t articulate why, but it makes sense, given that neoclassical is a reaction against the ornateness of earlier styles like Baroque and Rococo favored by European royalty and was designed to evoke a contrasting set of values. For this reason, I’m not a fan of all the gilt added to the white house – which will presumably also play a starring role in the ballroom.
Sorry, Starr.
This is Laurel Bern, the geriatric owner and exhausted author of this interior design blog.
Your entire comment needed to be removed. As I’ve said, until I’m ready to barf, this is not the forum to discuss a political agenda.
I thought your reader’s might be interested on this article from The White House Historical Association
https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-mclaurin-f3ca84b49843b3eb3c14ad6d48f117c3?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share
Taking the lord’s name in vain again??!
Jesus, Laurel! 😉
As a retired educator, who taught for nearly a half century, I always default to what we need to know and how a democracy works. If we cannot debate ‘political’ issues wherever we are, we weaken our democracy to the point of erasing it. This is what is happening right now. The USA is being erased as a democracy.
To realize that every discussion needs to be monitored for political issues, in order to preserve a sense of peace, is to realize that the public discussion of our most important affairs is closed down.
When I was growing up (I am old enough to have watched Jackie’s tv special in real time as a teenager), political discussion was not relegated to the sidelines. Without serious discussion democracy cannot function.
Part of my formal training involves studying things like architecture for its embedded meanings. Ditto for design in general. Art has always had a political element.
There is no way political messages can be erased from our environment: they are everywhere.
The destruction of the East Wing was one of the most emphatic political messages of my 77 year old life.
As someone who has written about the layout and significance of DC’s mall during my time at the Smithsonian, my heart was wrenched out by the erasure of nearly one third of the White House as it has existed for over a century.
All six members of the Commission of Fine Arts have been fired as of today. This Commission would have reviewed the construction plans for the White House. Obviously, these people will be replaced with highly political appointees who will be expected to rubber stamp what gets built. But there exist no actual plans as of this moment. What we have been shown is conceptual.
The arts always have a political side to them.
I understand why Laurel wants politics out of our responses and respect why she requests us to hold our tongues. However, in practice silence means acquiescence and that, too, is political language.
Hi Ramona,
I love both your comment today and on Sunday. And yes, the reason politics are kept out of it is because of vitriol and the spreading of information that is false and vitriolic. Even so, when I comment that a building is out of place, I’ll get,
but so and so did such and such……………….
One – It’s usually not true. And Two – if it is, and it was a crime, then I too, am outraged.
The world is not black and white, it is also thousands of shades of gray and millions of colors.
But when I see continuous mud-slinging, it makes me nuttier than a snickers bar. And for what? What does it accomplish?
It accomplishes nothing except to make me and a lot of others phenomenally sad; sad, angry, and depressed.
This is no way to live. That is why I am encouraging RESPECT and KINDNESS.
And yet, it appears that many readers have no idea what that is.
I verified what Ramona said about Commission of Fine Arts all being fired as of today, and it is true.
Why, today? He said because he needs people more in line with his views of “America First.”
How on earth does tearing down an important piece of history put America First?
How does a new ballroom put America First?
It sounds good, but it’s hollow.
If he was unhappy with the employees in the Department of Fine Arts, why is he only firing them the week after the east wing was torn down?
This is when I’ll hear some BS irrelevancy that isn’t even true. We are only speaking the truth here. And it is supposed to be limited to DESIGN, and the current issue.
Now, I will say that President Trump’s desire to create structures in the classical style is the right idea. Except that this isn’t classical, it’s ERSATZ CLASSICAL STYLE.
Sure, some of the classical elements are there, but the scale is all wrong, and all wrong for the existing structures and the land its sitting on. The fact that the building is nearly twice as large as the main white house which is HUUUUUGE is not classical.
Guys, this is what at least 50% of my blog is about! Some of you mud-slingers claim to have been reading a long time. Well, then, has nothing rubbed off? It would appear not.
Yes, it’s a 1,000,000 times better than if they decided to put up some modern abomination, but the design could be 1,000 times better and should include a cohesive plan to incorporate the West Wing as part of a renewal plan.
Approval is also required by the National Capital Planning Commission.
Gil Schafer, where are you?
Please, I’m begging ALL readers to look at the images of what was and view Jackie Kennedy’s video. And again, please read both posts. I spent a good 30 hours on this. If you’d like to comment, you can give me an hour of your time so that your comment is relevant.
Thank you, Ramona for this very thoughtful well-written comment. You are a treasure!
Here is an op-ed written by a former White House Chief Usher in favor of a larger East Wing. Viewpoints from those who served and worked directly in the East Wing for several years are important to consider.
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/diplomatic-ceremonial/2025/10/24/id/1231753/
This was held for moderation because of the link. It appears that you did not read both posts as I kindly requested. If you had, you would see that I agree with the need for larger facilities for both wings. In fact, I created a rendering showing how that would look in the first post. At least in plan view.
This is what is frustrating me. People skim and only pick out certain phrases and miss the most important part which is that this project has commenced without permission, and NO plan whatsoever. No consideration for the historical significance, no respect for Jackie’s garden. No respect for the American people who were not allowed to voice their opinions.
There’s also no site plan. No structural engineering report. Getting the proper approval is necessary and means that we’ll be subjected to this eyesore for who knows how long? This is not the way to go about any building project, much less one of such historical significance. Please watch the video.
Bottom line. The problem is an issue of design and scale, not necessity and definitely not any political policies.
That would be inappropriate on this website and I take great pains to avoid any political discussions. However, this is a design discussion and relevant to hundreds of posts, that exist on this website.
It’s the same thing with the Copley Square post where I lambasted our Democratic mayor, Michelle Wu, for her poor judgment.
I also think the Obama Library is hideous.
Do you have children or a partner? Do you sometimes get mad at them? Like really mad? Do you still love them even though you are mad about something they did or didn’t do?
My guess is you do.
Phew! This is a fraught topic. Coming from Canada, I have a little distance from the issue with which to temper my reaction. I offer condolences to those of my neighbours that are feeling the loss of part of your heritage.
The loophole that allowed this to happen is shocking. But now that it is exposed, hopefully it can be closed. My concern is for the future. All construction, especially with proper planning permissions, takes many years. What happens if there is a change in administration mid-build. Who completes the project? Where does the fiscal responsibility land? I think this is the beginning of a long, painful, costly journey and am saddened by the impact it will have on residents, White House staff, and government employees. We sometimes forget how much of our governance is carried out by staff, not elected officials, who must often implement plans they don’t support and clean up messes they didn’t make.
Laurel, thank you for the education. I’m hopeful that level heads prevail and something good can rise from the ashes.
I’m also pleased that you’ve been able to build a bridge with Aaron.
I really appreciate the time you put into your posts and have learned a lot from your blog. When I read the post on Sunday, I figured it may get some people upset.
I may not agree with all your design opinions but enjoy hearing how you arrived at your thoughtful conclusions.
I think that is true of all forms of art, including music, design, architecture, etc. we are never all going to agree, but should still be respected. I think this is especially true of politics and it is sad that stating your opinion about the renovations to the White House turned into something political.
Thanks for what you do!
Thank you for posting the link to Jackie’s tour of the White House. I love watching it! I wish it was in color and better quality. But it makes me want to learn more!
I appreciate your well written post concerning the dreadful situation at the White House. It was very informative. There is little I can add that you have not already posted. As an avid reader of your blog I want to say thank you! Yes, the poison pens should be put to rest.
Wow…someone actually called me out personally to have a political argument that equates to whataboutism?!?! To answer your question…I don’t agree with abuses of power by any president, past or present. I’m a registered independent and did not vote for either the president you mentioned or….you can read between the lines on this. Character matters to me. Sorry if that offends you.
Hi Mary T,
I’m sorry that happened to you and I’m pretty sure I deleted that comment because that kind of behavior is not permitted on this website.
The rest is for others reading this comment.
Those who wish to engage in whataboutism and other inappropriate topics, please take it elsewhere.
Character matters to me too. Therefore, disregarding my plea to keep politics out of all comments is what is causing me to have to turn the comments off again.
I do not have the physical, or mental constitution to deal with the onslaught of negativity and downright hurtful remarks on this blog and in my private email. I’ve had to delete dozens of comments as a result.
That is not why I’m here. I love hearing from y’all, but only when you keep to the topic and stop going off on inappropriate tangents.
Brava! Change is inevitable, and while I agree that a larger ballroom is almost a necessity at this point in time – as a country, we should not have to entertain outdoors because of the inability to seat a large number of guests – HOW this destruction was done is of primary importance. Like the destruction of the McKim, Mead, and White Penn Station in Manhattan, I can only hope that this will spur a tidal wave of protest that results in legal protections and oversight going forward.
To destroy with so little regard for the future – plans, cost, historical respect, etc. is unconscionable. As you say, most of us have to apply for planning permission for the smallest of changes. The wholesale destruction of our historical landmark without oversight of any kind is completely out of bounds.
Now I’ll move on the the ‘what’ of the matter – the planned ballroom is out of scale and just plain UGLY. We can’t get back what we’ve lost, but please don’t compound the rape of the White House with this monstrosity. HOW we do something is just as important, perhaps even more important, than what ultimately gets built.
Hi Laurel,
I think it’s great you & Aaron have been speaking more often. Him moving so far away has got to be difficult. My daughter got married last year & I very seldom hear from her or see her now. I know how it feels to miss your children.
I was in 2nd grade when the JKO documentary was on TV. I remember my mother telling me to be quiet so she could watch it. Now that I’m a bit older 😉 I appreciate it what she did.
Thank you for educating all of us with what is happening at The People’s House.
I so enjoyed this post and I’m glad I took the time to watch the entire CBS video. It was fascinating to see and hear Mrs. Kennedy so lovingly describe the historical significance of artwork, furniture and rooms. And she knew the names and locations of so many donors who gave up pieces to the White House because of their historic significance. The respect that was shown to previous presidents and their wives was especially impactful as it seems that type of respect has waned with the current administration. Thank you for sharing, Laurel! This is one of my favorite posts ever.
Interesting and good information. Thank you!
This entire situation is very sad. I am not speaking of the East Wing. Those issues have been thoroughly discussed. I am speaking of divide caused when one person expresses their well-founded opinion regarding renovations. What have we come to as a society when these opinions are considered inflammatory? I find myself reacting internally to some of your comments, and I am disappointed in this reaction. I ask myself if I am a product of the information I read and watch? I consider all media to have a bias, yet I am influenced. It seems that in our world, all comments are political, no matter the intent. I come to this site because of your knowledge, your ability to share, your generosity in sharing, and your ability to connect with your audience with your writing style. I will continue to come, even though I suspect our political views are different.
Hi Beverly,
I have friends who are very conservative and friends who are very liberal. It doesn’t matter to me. All that matters is how they treat me and other people.
The one thing I can’t stand is hypocrisy. Otherwise, how someone feels about a governing issue is their business, not mine.
Laurel and Stacey, I share your thoughts and observations. It is all so heartbreaking to see.
Without knowing the structural integrity of the East Wing, I will admit that it is always sad to see historical buildings replaced. However, I hope all of the donors take responsibility for their final ballroom.
How would you describe the Obama Library? Is this considered “modern” architecture? What will be the people’s opinion of it in 100 years?
Hi Sophie,
There is no need to wait 100 years. I have one only word to convey what I think about the Obama Library as a structure.
HIDEOUS.
Laurel,
I truly enjoy your blog and your snarky sense of humor. Although this has nothing really to do with today’s post, I wanted to steer you in the direction of Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts out of Enfield, North Carolina (where they grow them). They have all forms of peanuts (shelled and unshelled) and the most delicious cashew. Once you have these you’ll never buy the rancid, old stuff in the store. https://www.auntrubyspeanuts.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21507255745&gbraid=0AAAAAD_UsI_AGB2tG54GMf52wivRIYu6C&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9obIBhCAARIsAGHm1mRsSqZVHrr06I-Q_2LTwI8h2eQyOrza-N4ytGuz3DKyJzfWu4EUjIoaAshSEALw_wcB
Hi Donna,
This is 100% relevant to the post! lol Thank you so much! I can’t wait to try them.
I’m sure that previous expansion and renovation projects were viewed with the same apprehension and suspicion. Few people like to see the familiar torn down–even when the renovation is wanted and sorely needed. I have no doubt that serious planning went into this project, even though it hasn’t been widely shared. I am eager to see the final outcome.
Hi Brenda,
You’re making an excellent point because it’s true. But my questions are: Did they really have to tear the entire thing down? Why were we told they weren’t going to touch any existing structure and then as it was happening were told, “Oh, sorry, we have to take it all down.” For me, that kind of thing triggers mistrust because they said one thing and did the opposite.
And where is the architectural salvage to re-use certain architectural parts to link the present with the past? What about the garden? Parts of the East Wing are irreplaceable antiques from the early 20th century.
What about the fact that the new building as presented is too large and too close to the road and circular drive? In fact, there might even be a zoning issue. I suspect there is. The point again, is there is zero oversight and I can’t impress enough how essential this is.
All that is wanted is to approach this project in the correct manner, not rush it through with reckless abandonment. That is what is happening and I can assure everyone, that is a recipe for disaster, further delays, expense and a never-ending nightmare that could easily have been avoided.
Some people have pointed out that the East Wing was where first ladies had their offices and that the wholesale demolition shows how little their role is valued in the current timeline. And the current occupant’s spouse is not an active participant in the role of first lady.
Others have remarked that the East Wing is where visitors arrived and that there are now no public tours of the Peoples house, and the spaces that were decorated for Christmas or where other family oriented events took place are gone.
There’s no accounting for what happened to the historic artifacts such as architectural features (mantels, lighting, etc), the furnishings, decor and art, the portraits of our first ladies.
Another issue is the timing. One could plausibly say the demolition is a response to events that angered the occupant. With winter weather coming, it’s not the time to start building projects. The building itself contains asbestos and other potentially toxic materials and the photos of the site are not showing any safety measures in place.
Last, the bunker is under the East Wing and this project is going to enlarge and strengthen it, leading to speculation that I won’t mention here.
A normal administration would have shared the planning process and been transparent.
TL:DR a hostile, destructive, and ill considered act coming during a government shutdown when people are suffering with food insecurity and price gouging for medical insurance.
Hi Stacey,
I just said the same thing about historical salvage and you expanded on it nicely, so thank you. YES! What happened to all of that stuff? I hope to God the valuable architectural elements, plus lighting, artwork and furniture were taken out and are being warehoused somewhere safe. It appears that they were because all I could see getting chewed by the mechanical T-Rex’s were the walls, ceilings and floors.
I cannot speak for what the first lady is doing or not doing because I don’t know. And while the government shutdown is unsettling, I don’t feel free to comment on anything else not related to the building and design. We don’t know if the bunker will be altered or not, and again, I can’t conjecture about something I know nothing about.
I wonder if there’s an alternative entrance for visitors. But, yes, that’s another consideration. I hope provisions were made for visitors.