There is a new architect in charge of the White House ballroom construction.
James McCrery II and his architecture firm were first hired by President Donald Trump to lead the project.
Now, that responsibility belongs to Shalom Baranes, an administration official confirmed Thursday.
According to a report in The Hill, Baranes has designed government buildings for many years.
“As we begin to transition into the next stage of development on the White House Ballroom, the Administration is excited to share that the highly talented Shalom Baranes has joined the team of experts to carry out President Trump’s vision on building what will be the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office — the White House Ballroom,” White House spokesperson David Ingle said. “Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades and his experience will be a great asset to the completion of this project.”
According to a White House official, McCrery would remain a consultant on the ballroom project.
The Washington Post reported Trump and McCrery disagreed over the president’s vision for a larger ballroom than first planned.
The cost of the project has ballooned from $200 million to $300 million. Trump has said donors will be footing the bill.
The ballroom was originally pitched to be built adjacent to the East Wing. However, the entire East Wing was demolished in October.
The event space is expected to hold about 1,000 guests and be a venue for events like state dinners.
