NCPC Requests Details on Eisenhower Building Paint Plan

The National Capital Planning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to request additional details from the White House on its proposal to paint the exterior of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building white, a 19th-century landmark adjacent to the White House in Washington, D.C.

The Trump administration seeks to clean, repaint and restore the granite facade of the structure, built between 1871 and 1888 for the State, War and Navy departments. Officials described the building as neglected and stained, arguing that painting it white would enhance its appearance and create visual cohesion with neighboring white structures on the White House campus. Ryan Erb, construction operations manager for the White House Office of Administration, told commissioners the initial painting cost is estimated at $7.5 million, with an expected 25-year lifespan excluding preliminary cleaning, preparation or future repaints. The administration prefers painting the entire facade white, though an alternative would leave the granite base gray.

Commission staff presented a report supporting cleaning and restoration but recommended more information on the paint's application, potential risks such as water...