Historic Resources Committee

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  • 1.  White House destruction

    Posted 01-22-2026 10:25 AM
    Has the AIA historic resources committee taken a public stand on the White House destruction and the proposed new designs?
    If not, why not.?
    Is the AIA implementing its mission statement?

    Lee Gamelsky
    lee@lganm.com
    Cell : 505.362.4113
    Work: 505.842.8865
    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13


  • 2.  RE: White House destruction

    Posted 01-23-2026 07:52 AM
    Lee, 
    Members of the group have been discussing this for several months. If you look back through the discussions under several different threads you will see what the group has been talking about. The majority of posts are opposed to the new ballroom and concerned about the review process. Several of us have signed letters opposing the project as reported in the Architect's Paper. Samuel Combs. AIA has taken a lead in this effort and he could fill you in on what has been going on.

    George Bryant (retired)



    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13


  • 3.  RE: White House destruction

    Posted 01-23-2026 07:57 PM
    Edited by Samuel Combs, AIA 01-23-2026 07:57 PM

    George and Lee,  since both of you are signatories on the letter to Baranes, I wanted to alert you to my AIA Alaska Historic Resources Committee presentation next Wednesday at noon AST on the "East Wing Modernization Project!?".  I've posted a draft of that presentation and a "Depraved Indifference" notice to send to your Republican members of Congress that attended the diatribe by Trump in the paved over Rose Garden on 10/21/25 as the East Wing was demolished in the background as only Repubs listened and were exposed to hazardous friable materials.  I think both of you are quite aware of what's going on and I've appreciated your commitment to this cause.  Lee, as far as the AIA or the AIA HRC taking a stand I don't believe that will happen.  They are both too timid with this regime to bravely step forward.  It's up to us!



    ------------------------------
    Samuel Duff Combs, AIA, NCARB
    Combs & Combs, AIA, Architecture, Interiors, Art
    Architect/Owner
    Anchorage, AK
    ------------------------------

    Original Message
    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13


  • 4.  RE: White House destruction

    Posted 01-24-2026 09:54 AM
    Sam,
    Thanks. I will try to tune in to your presentation.
    I watched the CFA hearing on Thursday and took screen shots of the 5 boards Baranes presented. I have been looking at the plans and they raise are a lot of unanswered questions. Where are all of the limos going to drop off guests? Where is the security check point at the entrance? Do the elevators off the entrance lobby actually serve the 1st floor or is the wall a drafting error. Where is the coat check? Where is the service access for the kitchen deliveries and trash collection? The kitchen is not accessible. Doesn't ADA require it to be so. There are stairs on the 1st level that don't appear on the 2nd. Does that mean there is a basement? The "immense" portico on the south facade can't be entered from the interior and only accessible from a landing in the exit stair from the 2nd level terrace. What is the portico for? Is it just a folly? Baranes said it was added because Trump wanted it. The elevations don't entirely match the plans. This is clearly a rush job that has not been thought through.
    The commissioners requested a physical model to be presented at next month's meeting. I expect all they will get is a small scale 3d printed one that won't be what they are hoping for.

    George Bryant (retired)




    Original Message
    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13


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