There’s a new architecht in charge of the White House ballroom design. Officials have confirmed the news in a statement on Friday, with Washington, D.C.-based Shalom Baranes Associates now leading the design project. They will take over for James McCrery.
While he’s not heading up the design, Donald Trump isn’t exactly saying, you’re fired, to James. The former host of the Celebrity Apprentice is reportedly keeping James on as a consultant. The White House described the change as a passing of the baton rather than a dismissal.
Donald Trump reportedly clashed with the original White House ballroom architect
It seems the President didn’t see eye to eye with James on how the new ballroom should look. At issue, among other things, was reportedly the size and scope of the project for Donald.
The project is reportedly entering a new phase, and that’s where it seems they could use the expertise of Shalom Baranes Associates. The change in management was first reported by The Washington Post.
Reports indicate that James had concerns about the ornate structure of the ballroom, which may have overshadowed the historic residence. The White House Historic Residence is about 55,000 square feet, with the West Wing at about 40,000 square feet.
The ballroom will go on the East Wing of the White House, something Donald’s wife, Melania, had seemingly been concerned about. That may be because her office is located at that end of the building.
Preservationists and lawmakers have questioned the project, raising questions about the oversight and historic protections. Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the No Palaces Act on Thursday requiring approval from the National Planning Commission (NPC) before a historic federal building can be torn down.
The White House insists they don’t need NPC approval for this project.
TELL US – DO YOU BELIEVE THE NO PALACES ACT COULD BE APPROVED?
