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WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the White House to get a significant new addition: a US$200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom, its first structural expansion in more than seven decades.

Construction will begin in September, Mr Trump’s administration announced this week.

The ballroom, which will seat 650 guests, will be located where the East Wing currently sits. While offices housed there, including the first lady’s, will be temporarily relocated, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “Nothing will be torn down.” The East Wing will also be modernized and renovated during the build.

Trump, who has long floated the idea of a White House ballroom, said the lack of space for large events has forced previous administrations to host state dinners under tents. “They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years but there’s never been a president that was good at ballrooms,” Trump told reporters. “I’m good at building things and we’re going to build quickly and on time. It’ll be beautiful, top, top of the line.”

He emphasized that the new structure will respect the mansion’s historic architecture. “It’ll be near it but not touching it and pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” he said. “It’s my favorite. It’s my favorite place. I love it.”

Since returning to the office in January, Trump has made several design changes to the Executive Mansion. These include redecorating the Oval Office with gold accents, cherubs, and additional presidential portraits; adding large flagpoles to the North and South Lawns; and replacing the Rose Garden lawn with stone.

“This will be a great legacy project,” Trump said. “I think it will be really beautiful.”

McCrery Architects will lead the ballroom project, Clark Construction will build it, and AECOM will provide engineering services. Renderings have been posted to the White House website.

According to Leavitt, donations, including a personal contribution from the president, will cover the cost of the project. She did not disclose other donors.

Chief of staff Susie Wiles said the administration is committed to preserving the White House’s legacy throughout the process. “President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail,” she said.

Trump also hinted at another project in the works: replacing what he described as a “terribly” remodeled bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom. He told NBC News he wanted to restore it with finishes that were more in line with its 19th-century origins.

The last significant structural addition to the White House was the Truman Balcony, completed in 1948.