Construction on the Grand Ballroom at the White House, initiated this week with the demolition of a section of the east wing, is just one of many instances where presidents have altered the nation’s residence to align with their preferences.
From Teddy Roosevelt to Barack Obama, various presidents have made modifications to the building. Notably, Harry Truman oversaw a significant modernization of the White House, originally built in 1792.
The White House Historical Association commented this week, noting, “The South Portico, North Portico, East Wing, West Wing, and Truman Balcony all raised concerns back then, but nowadays, it’s hard to picture the White House without these iconic features.”
Ed Lengyel, who was chief historian at the White House Historical Association from 2016 to 2018, remarked to The Hill that “nothing previously done aligns with President Trump’s vision.” He added, “This is unprecedented. Nothing of this magnitude has ever happened before.”
President Trump plans to create a spacious ballroom in the east wing, funded by private donors, intended for hosting world dignitaries and other guests.
The White House has defended the project against criticisms, describing it as a “bold and necessary addition that embodies the commander-in-chief’s legacy of enhancements to maintain the Executive Residence as a symbol of American excellence.”
Here’s a timeline highlighting significant renovations to the White House:
1902
Construction on the West Wing, which accommodates the president and their staff, began under President Theodore Roosevelt and was completed by President William Taft.
Before 1902, presidents used various spaces within the Executive Mansion but lacked a dedicated area for official duties. Roosevelt sought a central office for the president and arranged for the construction of a rectangular area, now known as the Roosevelt Room, which became the first Oval Office located on the west side of the White House.
Reportedly, Roosevelt’s renovations were orchestrated by the well-known New York architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. According to the White House Historical Association, Roosevelt began working in the new administration on November 5, 1902, and held his first Cabinet meeting the following day.
Seven years later, Taft expanded the Temporary Executive Office building into the west wing, which included an oval office centrally positioned within it.
1933
Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore’s cousin, reportedly added 25,000 square feet of permanent office space to the West Wing when he assumed office 30 years later.
An expanded basement office area was created, complete with daylight windows and a ‘penthouse’ level, while the Oval Office was relocated to its present spot in the southeast corner of the West Wing, overlooking the Wilson Rose Garden.
He also built an indoor pool at the West Terrace to help him exercise while dealing with polio. Funding for the $12,000 pool construction was generated by the Daily News, which started the Roosevelt Swimming Pool Fund.
Since then, that pool has been covered up, but the outdoor pool established under President Ford remains on the South Lawn, funded by private contributions.
1948
President Harry Truman oversaw what was arguably the most significant construction project for the White House and temporarily relocated to the adjacent Blair House after some civilian housing was considered unsafe.
In March 1949, he requested Congress to form a Commission to Renovate the Presidential Residence to address serious architectural flaws in the White House. This group consisted of six members, with two each appointed by the President, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.
After being reelected in 1948, Truman and his family often stayed in a nearby structure that now hosts visiting dignitaries. The renovations were reported to cost around $5.7 million—equivalent to more than $50 million today.
Despite the extensive changes, Truman and architect Lorenzo Winslow aimed to preserve as much of the original building as feasible.
Truman expressed satisfaction with the outcome, albeit not with the expense. “Beth and I toured the East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, and State Dining Room, which looked very nice, along with the Hall and the State Staircase,” he reflected on his return. “Even with all the trouble, it’s worth it, but not $5.5 million.”
“If I’d been in charge of the construction, it would’ve been done for half the cost and in half the time!”
1973
Former President Richard Nixon added a one-lane bowling alley to the White House.
This bowling alley, located beneath the driveway leading to the north portico, is still used occasionally by White House staff and visitors. The costs were covered by private donations, although it wasn’t the first bowling alley in the White House—it dates back to Truman’s time. In 1947, a bowling lane was established in what is now the Situation Room, which later sparked the creation of a bowling league. President Eisenhower then relocated the alley to the basement of the former Executive Office Building.
2009
In 2009, former President Barack Obama transformed the White House tennis court into a fully operational basketball court. The basketball court hosted events featuring college championship teams and the Wounded Warriors, according to the Obama administration.
President Trump added a new tennis pavilion during his first term, a project overseen by First Lady Melania Trump that included renovations to the existing tennis court and the adjacent “grandchild garden,” according to officials.
