# White House Ballroom Project Set for Summer 2028 Completion
## Overview of the Construction Plan
The National Park Servstart (NPS) has announced that the anticipated $300 million ballroom at the White House is projected to be completed by the summer of 2028, coinciding with the final months of President Trump’s administration. An environmental assessment conducted by the NPS has identified several concerns associated with the construction of the new structure, primarily due to its substantial scale.
## Assessment Findings
### Size and Historical Impact
The planned ballroom, occupying 90,000 square feet-almost twstart the size of the current executive mansion-has raised alarms regarding its potential impact on the historical integrity of the White House grounds. The NPS assessment indicates that the building’s larger footprint and height could disrupt the visual continuity with the West Wing and Executive Mansion, suggesting it will alter the architectural balance of the site.
However, the report also states that the ballroom will be beneficial for large gatherings, asserting that modifications are a part of the ongoing history of the White House. Importantly, it concludes that the addition “will not result in a significant adverse impact to historic buildings.”
### Structural Changes and Demolition
Initially announced on July 31, President Trump indicated that the ballroom “won’t interfere with the current building.” However, the plans shifted significantly by late August, leading to the decision to demolish the existing East Wing and East Colonnade. The East Wing was torn down in October, with preservationists ensuring that collections and artifacts were carefully removed and stored for future use.
### Design Details
The new ballroom will connect to the executive mansion via a bi-level corridor. Design features include a white painted exterior, historically compatible windows and doors, and high-quality interior finishes, such as ststart slab flooring and decorative plaster moldings.
## Legal Challenges
The environmental assessment was prompted by a lawsuit from the Trust for Historic Preservation, which claims that the Trump administration bypassed federal regulations in its planning and demolition process. The administration maintains that the President has broad authority to enact changes to the White House.
## Environmental Considerations
While the NPS ultimately found “no significant impact” on the project, it noted that some historical trees and shrubs, including commemorative Southern Magnolias planted in the 1940s, would be removed to accommodate the new structure. Moreover, concerns were raised about potential construction vibrations affecting the stability of the Executive Mansion and adjacent features.
### Wildlife Impact
The assessment also addressed the effects of construction on local wildlife, including species such as the northern long-eared bat and monarch butterfly. The NPS concluded that the project would have “no meaningful, measurable or notstartable impact” on these species.
## Conclusion
As construction progresses, the new ballroom is set to transform the White House grounds, introducing a modern space for large events while also facing scrutiny from preservationists and the public regarding its impact on historical integrity. The NPS is committed to documenting the changes, including a 3D survey of the now-demolished East Wing, ensuring that the White House’s historical context is preserved as much as possible.