US President Donald Trump has selected a new architect for the new White House ballroom, a spokesman said late Thursday.
It comes after reported disagreements with James McCray, the original architect chosen to plan the $300 million (€258 million) ballroom, one of which was the US leader’s desire to increase its size.
Trump – formerly a property mogul – was also reportedly concerned that McCray’s company would not be able to meet the deadline.
Nevertheless, McCray is set to remain part of the project as a “valued advisor”, a source familiar with the matter told the AFP news agency.
Shalom Baranes, the new architect chosen by Trump to lead the project, “has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades,” the White House said. It said Baranes would join a team of experts to “advance President Trump’s vision.”
Barrens’ company was responsible for various projects in Washington, DC, including the renovation of the Pentagon after a plane hit the building during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Trump’s other changes include gold decorations, patio
The entire East Wing of the White House has been demolished to complete the project, with Trump saying the ballroom will have a capacity of 1,000 people.
Trump said the project would be entirely privately funded thanks to companies and wealthy individuals donating.
Critics have expressed concern that the new ballroom could overshadow other parts of the White House, including those where the President lives, and the plan has not yet been publicly scrutinized.
The addition of the ballroom – the most significant change to the globally known landmark Created by Trump – The President also installed gold decorations in the Oval Office, as well as paving the main part of the Rose Garden lawn and turning it into a patio.
Edited by: Zack Crellin