Roses to Limestone: Trump’s Bold White House Redesign

written by a member of the WCB

Mar-a-Lago Vision

President Donald Trump is set to transform the historic White House Rose Garden into a personal entertainment space that mirrors his Florida resort aestheticwith plans to replace the manicured green lawn with a hard surface, potentially limestone.

Renovation Highlights

• Removing traditional grass landscape

• Installing interchangeable hard surface

• Potential hardwood flooring for dancing

• Preserving the iconic rose bushes

Historical Context

The Rose Garden, first established in 1903 by First Lady Edith Roosevelt, has long been a symbolic backdrop of presidential grandeur. Its most famous iteration came during John F. Kennedy’s presidency, designed by Jacqueline Kennedy and Rachel Lambert Mellon in 1962.

Presidential Ambitions

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the renovation, stating the president is “taking necessary steps in order to preserve and restore the greatness and glory of ‘the People’s House.’”

Additional Renovation Plans

• Grand chandelier in the Oval Office

• $100 million ballroom project

• Extensive wall decorations, including a framed New York Post mugshot

Mar-a-Lago Influence

Trump has been actively discussing design options with associates, considering materials like limestone and exploring the possibility of an easily interchangeable surface. The renovation reflects his personal design philosophy of transforming spaces to match his distinctive style.

Presidential Renovation: Where Tradition Meets Trump