A demolition in the East Wing of the White House has sparked both concern and curiosity among history buffs and preservationists. However, one individual sees a silver lining in the situation – increased public interest in White House history.
Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, witnessed the demolition firsthand and acknowledged it was jarring to see. However, he believes that the images have sparked more people’s curiosity about the building’s history and its various spaces.
The East Wing, which houses the traditional base of operations for first ladies and their staffs, has been completely demolished to make way for a new ballroom proposed by President Donald Trump. The plan includes a 90,000-square-foot structure, almost twice the size of the White House itself, and is expected to accommodate 1,000 people.
The White House Historical Association, which aims to preserve the museum quality of the interior and educate the public, has worked with the White House to prepare for the changes. They used 3D scanning technology to digitally recreate the East Wing’s spaces, including its art, furnishings, and architectural details.
McLaurin notes that the building continues to evolve from what it looked like when it was built in 1792. He believes there is a need to modernize and grow, but emphasizes that how it’s done is crucial. The association has seen an increase in attendance at its educational center, which offers free exhibitions and tours of the White House.
While some may argue that other presidents have made changes to the White House, McLaurin stresses that the preservation of historical spaces requires careful consideration. He acknowledges that the White House needs modernization but encourages a thoughtful approach to its renovation.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-mclaurin-f3ca84b49843b3eb3c14ad6d48f117c3