3D models eyed as White House ballroom expansion faces scale scrutiny

Trump appointees on the Commission on Fine Arts endorsed a major White House ballroom expansion but pressed for in-person 3D scale models of the complex (including the Treasury and Eisenhower Building) to judge its mass and how it fits with the White House’s character. The plan would add about 90,000 square feet in total, with 22,000 for the ballroom, bringing the footprint to roughly 145,000 sq ft after the East Wing demolition. Concerns about scale, symmetry, and the view from the South Lawn persisted along with largely negative online public comments. Historic preservationists are seeking a court injunction to halt construction, and U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said a ruling is expected next month with potential appeals anticipated. If approved, the in-person briefing would accompany renderings already shown to the commission, and a two-story east colonnade may be added to improve cohesion.