The plans for Trump’s ballroom have so far been presented by the American architectural firm McCrery.
Designs from that agency featured gold chandeliers and ornaments. “It will be beautiful, of the highest quality,” Trump previously said about the plans, which are reminiscent of the lavish style of his Mar-a-Lago country retreat.
Experienced architect
Sources now tell CNN and The Washington Post that another architect will be appointed to continue the project.
It concerns architect Shalom Baranes, who has been designing and renovating government buildings in Washington for years. For example, he was involved in the renovation of the Pentagon immediately after the 9/11 attacks. At the time, $1 billion had been allocated for this.
It is unclear why a different architect will be appointed and how that will change the plans. CNN reports that Trump was at odds with McCrery: the architectural firm allegedly found the president’s plans too grand.
The Washington Post writes that McCrery is being replaced because the small agency would not be able to carry out the large project. The owner of the architectural firm, James McCrery, would remain involved in the project as a consultant.
Construction workers began demolishing the east wing of the White House in October. Check that out here:
Architects previously expressed concerns about the project. It would happen too fast, be too big and the ballroom would not be built in the right style, several architects told RTL News. “Just like everything Trump does, it’s kind of a big joke. Only that joke is serious.”
300 million
A White House spokesperson said in a statement that the new architect had been hired “for the next step in the project.” He says ballroom will be “the best addition to the White House since the Oval Office.”
The ballroom was initially expected to cost $200 million, but Trump later said it would likely cost $300 million. Trump says the money for this will come from sponsors and himself.
