Rubenstein Center Scholarship
Architecture: 1950s-2000s
1950s
Soon after moving into the White House in 1945, President Truman noticed large areas of cracking in the plaster throughout the house. A structural survey revealed major problems caused by stress from the 1902 floor-bearing steel beams and the weight of the third floor and roof, all pressing against the inner brick walls. In 1948 Truman appointed a Commission on the Renovation of the Executive Mansion that decided to retain the original walls, the third floor and the roof, while removing and then reinstalling the interiors within a skeleton of steel structural beams on a new concrete foundation. In the end, little of the 19th-century or early 20th-century interiors were retained. Two levels of subbasements, and service areas under the North Portico were constructed, and the Grand Staircase was substantially changed. Of the state floor rooms, only the State Dining Room walls were reinstalled, but then were painted.
South front, in February 1950, with a debris chute fitted to the window of the Monroe sitting room. President Truman's new balcony is clearly visible.
A view of the south façade of the White House, May 10, 1950.
Harry S. Truman Library1960s
A swimming pool installed in the west terrace for Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 is replaced by the press center. A porte cochere is also added to the north side of the west wing.
FDR's swimming pool was completed in 1933. The pool has been covered but remains beneath the floor of the press center.
1970s
Since 1952, attempts to provide a sense of past history of the Presidents House and new research have resulted in decorative interior changes but no substantive architectural work. The preservation of the historic house and its contents has received high priority. Beginning in 1978, a study was begun to assess problems with the exterior paint. Successive layersin some areas as many as 40have been removed from each of the exterior walls. Following the removal of the paint, masons began repairing stone which had deteriorated over time.
A workman carefully removes layers of paint from the White House walls.
1980s
As the restoration of the stone walls of the White House entered its late stage in 1988, the White House in cooperation with the National Capital Region of the National Park Service and the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) began a five-year documentation project to record the exterior elevations as part of that project completed in 1993.
The north portico as it appeared after more than 40 layers of paint were removed.
1990s
In 1990 the American Institute of Architects in cooperation with the White House Historical Association sponsored HABS to record the interior architecture of the White House. The results of these two completed projects combined to create a comprehensive record of the historic main house. The updated drawings will be used for base documents for future renovation, restoration, maintenance, and interpretation of the house.
A photograph taken as part of the documentation of the White House by the Historic American Building Survey.
You Might Also Like
-
CollectionPreservation of the White House
In the 1960s, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy oversaw the task of restoring the White House interiors and thus founded the White House Historical Association to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion. As a part of our mission, the Association provides financial support for acquisitions, refurbishing projects, and preservation initiatives of the White House, which involves collaboration
-
PodcastPalace of State: The Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Featuring John F.W. Rogers, Chairman of the White House Historical Association’s Board of Directors
-
PodcastAmerica’s Irish Roots
Featuring Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States
-
PodcastBlair House: The President’s Guest House
Featuring The Honorable Capricia Marshall, Ambassador Stuart Holliday, and Matthew Wendel
-
-
CollectionThe Ford White House 1974 - 1977
Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, served thirteen terms in Congress before rising to national attention in 1973, when President Richard Nixon nominated him as vice president. Less than a year later, Ford became president, following President Nixon's resignation from office. The Fords made and celebrated history during their time in the White House, fr
-
PodcastDinner with the President
Featuring Alex Prud’homme, bestselling author and great-nephew of cooking legend Julia Child
-
PodcastBecoming FDR: The Personal Crisis That Made a President
Featuring Jonathan Darman, author of “Becoming FDR: The Personal Crisis That Made a President"
-
Podcast250 Years of American Political Leadership
Featuring Iain Dale, award-winning British author and radio and podcast host
-
CollectionThe 2023 White House Christmas Ornament
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2023 design & learn more about President Gerald R. Ford. Buy
-
PodcastThe History of Wine and the White House
Featuring Frederick J. Ryan, author of “Wine and the White House: A History" and member of the White House Historical Association’s National Council on White House History
-
PodcastA Discussion with the Voices of Lafayette Park
Featuring Hilary West, Executive Director for Federal Government Relations at JPMorgan Chase, and Royce L. Dickerson, MBA Candidate at the University of Alabama’s Manderson Graduate School of Business
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
