But... the ROSE GARDEN!

[Bonfire]

Every administration throughout history has been aware of the stewardship they hold for the people’s house. Pay it forward for generations to come. This one is turning it into a personal palace. Perhaps with the intention of not leaving?
So sad about the rose garden. I wouldn’t be surprised if the National Mall is turned into a golf course.

 

[ecf8503]

...Perhaps with the intention of not leaving?

This.

 

[LightBright]

Something like this would have been much better in something other than bright white. Or even side paths with a smaller middle grass area if the concern was the legitimate need for a hard surface. I have an elderly father in law with peripheral neuropathy so I can see where there might be a need for a surface that is hard for those with mobility issues. He doesn't do well at all with grass where it might have height differences he cannot see.

That said, I still don't like what was done. Many ways to make it more attractive!

I totally agree about the bright white solid flooring. It is a huge problem. Snow, Ice and rain will cause it to be dangerously slippery and flooded, looks like inadequate drainage as well. Has anyone ever been to the Getty Center in LA? Whoever designed it put cream white stone paving everywhere and did not think of the environmental factors at all. There is so much intense reflection. The Getty has free sun umbrellas available everywhere because the reflection is inescapable. Predict this design will be revised within six months when all these design flaws become obvious.

You can see it’s already collecting water, could discolor too. They need to put some green back!

https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/1mhelqg/before_and_after_of_white_houses_paved_rose_garden

 

[MissGotRocks]

The White House has existed in some form for over 200 years. Funny how it never needed a ballroom … until now. If you add on to or renovate a space, is that called saving money? Am I dreaming???!!???

 

[Matata]

I heard him say he and private donors were paying for it. I believe he also posted on X that he was paying.

The only way he'd use his own money is if he's planning on a long-term stay in the WH.......