White House East Wing and Ballroom project
In October 2025, the Trump Administration demolished the East Wing of the White House without notice. Plans are underway to replace the East Wing with a 90,000 square-foot ballroom addition.
Timeline & advocacy update
January 9, 2026
AIA's advocacy on the White House East Ballroom project continues. Yesterday's NCPC informational presentation revealed additional details about the 89,000-square-foot structure, while Representative Jamie Raskin's proposed bill would establish more rigorous requirements for future modifications to federally owned historic buildings. Read where things stand and what comes next.
AIA statement on the demolition of the East Wing
October 24, 2025
After officials assured the public that the White House East Ballroom project would be "near it, but not touching it," the entire East Wing has been demolished—calling into question not only the preservation of historic architecture but the transparency and accountability that should govern changes to the People's House. AIA is urging a halt to further irreversible alterations.
AIA urges transparency and quality control on ballroom project
August 5, 2025
AIA has submitted formal recommendations to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, urging a transparent, preservation-focused approach to the proposed $200 million East Ballroom addition. Drawing on its century-long role as guardian of the White House's architectural integrity, AIA outlined five key standards for the project.