Washington, D.C. — Crews have begun preliminary site preparation for a planned new ballroom at the White House, marking the first visible step in a project that has drawn interest from both preservationists and planners.
The work now underway is limited to clearing and grading the proposed site, officials said, and does not include any construction of the ballroom itself. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), which provides federal oversight for major developments in the nation’s capital, confirmed that the early groundwork does not yet require a formal review.
NCPC Chairman said that the Commission’s oversight will come later, once the full architectural plans are ready for submission. “This type of preparatory work doesn’t need to be reviewed until the building plans are submitted,” the Chairman explained. “Our process begins when we can evaluate detailed designs and ensure they meet the planning standards for the federal core of Washington.”
The NCPC is the central federal planning agency for the National Capital Region. Created by Congress in 1924, it coordinates the planning of federal and some local projects across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The commission reviews the design and location of new federal buildings, monuments, and memorials to ensure they fit the city’s historic character and long-term development plans. Its 12-member board includes presidential appointees, members of Congress, and representatives from the District of Columbia and surrounding states.
White House officials have not released a detailed timeline for the ballroom project or specifics about the final design. The addition is expected to provide a larger, more modern space for official events and state functions.
The NCPC will review the project in a public meeting once plans are formally filed.
