The White House is preparing to move forward with a major renovations project that would replace the long-used East Room with a newly constructed, permanent ballroom designed to accommodate high-profile national and international events. According to officials familiar with the planning process, the proposal is in its final stage of internal review and is expected to be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission before the end of December.
The updated ballroom is envisioned as a modern, multi-purpose venue capable of hosting state dinners, summits, and other large gatherings that require more space and better logistical support than the current East Room provides. For years, staff have raised concerns about the outdated reception areas and kitchen facilities attached to the existing space, describing them as insufficient for today’s ceremonial and diplomatic demands.
The architect selected to lead the design has drawn attention due to past work on multiple properties associated with President Donald Trump. He emphasized that those commissions were professional assignments and not political endorsements, noting that he has also contributed to a range of unrelated luxury developments, including a hotel project in Miami.
Early estimates place the cost of the new ballroom between $200 million and $300 million, with funding expected to come from a combination of private donations and federal appropriations. Supporters of the project argue that the investment is necessary to modernize one of the most visible event spaces connected to the presidency.
Once submitted, the proposal will undergo federal review before construction timelines are finalized. If approved, the project would mark one of the most significant structural updates to the White House complex in recent years.
