Subject: Re: The Ballroom
There aren't too many folks who would find a 123 year old building, last renovated 83 years ago, as acceptable for any useful modern-day purpose.

The historical value, the iconic status, of some buildings transcend meeting 'modern-day purpose.'

The White House was an icon, as is the US Capitol building, as is the Treasury building, as is Monticello, as is Mount Vernon, etc. Modern buildings have been, and will continue to be built to meet the needs of government.