Around 10,000 people visit the White House each week — that’s an average of about 500,000 people per year. But, at the end of August, the White House will indefinitely suspend public tours to accommodate upcoming construction for a new ballroom.
Starting in September, the White House’s East Wing will be undergoing construction to build the recently announced ballroom, which will be built by McLean-based Clark Construction.
According to the region’s senators and congressmen, the pause will begin in September, with tours for the month being canceled and future requests no longer being accepted.
“Our office was recently made aware that due to upcoming planned construction of the White House grounds, the Administration has cancelled public tours beginning in September. At this time, it is unclear when public tours of the White House will resume,” states the message on Sen. Mark Warner’s website.
The plans for the $200 million ballroom project were announced on July 31. The ballroom will add “approximately 90,000 total square feet of ornately designed and carefully crafted space, with a seated capacity of 650 people.” The White House has yet to announce how long the construction will take to complete.
The White House will provide updates on the project at whitehouse.gov/visit.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
