What Trump’s Latest East Wing Designs Show

The White House recently submitted final plans to the National Capital Planning Commission for renovations to the East Wing ballroom, revealing adjustments to earlier designs. A vote on the project is scheduled for March 5th, before a commission comprised of allies to President Trump.

One Pediment, Not Two

Initial designs from architect Shalom Baranes featured triangular pediments on both the east and south porticoes. The latest submission removes the pediment planned for the south portico. However, the pediment on the east portico remains, extending approximately four feet above the White House roofline – a feature that has drawn criticism for potentially overshadowing the existing structure.

Did You Know? The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, which previously occupied the space for the new East Wing garden, was demolished along with the old East Wing.

Changed Windows and Doorways

The number of arched windows on the ballroom level, facing west, has been increased from eight to nine. The plans include redesigned first-floor windows and an increased number of doorways leading to the planned East Wing garden.

A New Garden

These renderings mark the first detailed look at the garden intended to replace the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. The plans show a grand staircase connecting the new East Colonnade to the garden, with stone-paved paths linking it to the first floor of the new East Wing.

The new garden is planned to be larger than its predecessor, incorporating a circular brick area and replanted trees from the original garden. The fountain from the former garden will also be reinstated.

Asymmetrical Pathway

To accommodate the scale of the proposed East Wing, the pathway surrounding the South Lawn has been altered and is no longer symmetrical, according to the renderings. The overall footprint of the project remains consistent with plans presented in January, indicating President Trump has not yielded to calls for a reduction in the building’s size.

Expert Insight: The persistence of the large-scale design, despite earlier critiques, suggests a firm commitment to a specific architectural vision for the East Wing. The alterations to the South Lawn pathway demonstrate the significant impact this project will have on the White House grounds.

Architects have indicated consideration of a “modest one-story addition” to the West Colonnade, intended to restore symmetry to the original central pavilion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changes were made to the pediment design?

The south portico’s pediment has been removed from the latest plans, while the east portico’s pediment remains, extending four feet above the White House roofline.

What is happening with the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden?

The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was demolished with the old East Wing and will be replaced with a new, larger garden featuring a staircase, stone paths, replanted trees, and the original fountain.

Has the overall size of the East Wing project changed?

No, the final designs submitted last week maintain the same overall footprint as the plans from January, indicating the project’s scale has not been reduced.

How might these changes to the White House grounds impact the historical character of the presidential residence?