Subject: Re: President Truman's Renovation

The construction took place between 1948 and 1952 and was a remarkable feat of engineering.

They really didn't have much choice. The foundation of the building failed. It was on it's way to collapse if the work was not done.

From the net sifter:

Yes, a leg of Margaret Truman's piano fell through the floor of the White House in 1948, which was the final catalyst for the major renovation of the building. The incident revealed the building was structurally unsound, with engineers noting that the house was "only 'out of habit' still standing," according to the White House Historical Association.

The incident: In the summer of 1948, a leg of Margaret Truman's piano crashed through the floor of her second-floor sitting room into the Family Dining Room below.

Structural discovery: Investigation revealed that the floorboards were rotted and the main floor beam was split. Engineers also found that the ceiling below had dropped 18 inches, and the entire second floor was at risk of collapse.

Renovation: The incident prompted the complete gutting and rebuilding of the White House's interior from 1948 to 1952, during which the Truman family temporarily lived in Blair House.

Modernization: A new steel frame was installed, along with modern plumbing and electrical systems, to ensure the building's structural integrity for future generations.

That being said, given the scale of the ballroom, and the garish decorations, it is clearly Trump's monument to himself.

Steve