WASHINGTON.- The president’s administration Donald Trump confirmed that the East Wing of the White House will be completely demolished in the coming daysas part of the project to build a new ballroom valued at 250 million dollars.
The advertisement represents a significant expansion regarding the original plan presented by Trump at the beginning of the summer, when he assured that the work “would not interfere with the current building.”
“It will be close, but not touching, and will totally respect the existing building, of which I am the biggest fan”Trump said on July 31.
According to NBC NewsWhite House officials noted that “The entire East Wing will be modernized and rebuilt”, although they acknowledged that the project continues to evolve.
“The scope and size of the ballroom project have always been subject to change as the process progresses“explained one of the officials.
Criticism for lack of public review in demolition of the East Wing of the White House
The decision to demolish the East Wing generated concern among organizations dedicated to the preservation of historical heritage, reported Telemundo in USA
He National Trust for Historic Preservationcreated by the US Congress, sent a letter to the Trump administration asking to suspend the demolition until the legal review processes are met.
“We respectfully urge that demolition be suspended until the plans go through the public review processes required by law“, he pointed out Carol Quillenchief executive of the National Trust.
The White House responded that is not required to submit plans to the National Capital Planning Commissionsince the current phase corresponds to demolition, “not technically construction.”
However, urban planning experts maintain that the project should be reviewed by the corresponding authorities, such as the Fine Arts Commission and the Washington DC State Historic Preservation Office
Although these organizations traditionally regulate modifications to the presidential complex, the White House enjoys special exemptions due to its symbolic and unique character within the federal government.
Design of Trump’s ballroom by the president himself
He Trust for the National Mall supervises the private donations destined for the ballroom project, in coordination with the National Park Service. According to reports, President Trump himself participates directly in the designalong with the signature McCrery Architects.
During his administration, the president has promoted various renovations in the presidential complex, including the Rose Gardenthe Oficina Ovalthe Cabinet Room and the Palm Roomin addition to installing two monumental flagpoles in the gardens.
Experts question the transparency of the project
Historians and architectural specialists consider that the lack of transparency in the project has generated concern among conservationists.
the historian Bryan Clark Greenformer member of the National Capital Planning Commission, stated that previous administrations often followed public approval processes “to ensure acceptance and avoid surprises.”
“Over the summer, Trump said this would not affect the East Wing. But obviously it does. A public process would have avoided that commotion”.
Meanwhile, preparations for the demolition are advancing and work is expected to begin “in a matter of days,” according to US government sources.
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