The Truman Balcony

Part of the education of an architect is to study the history, and precedence of architects that have come before us. At JL Architects, we not only stay informed of the latest in technologies, but we also learn equally important lessons from our predecessors. In light of our recent national holiday, we thought it would be fun to share one of the most controversial architectural battles in American history!


Everyone knows this building, and many have visited it.  It resides in our nations' capitol city and has one of the most famous addresses in the world. If you haven't guessed the building yet, then open your wallet, and look at the building on the back of a $20 bill!

 
The White House was the center of this controversy, and it was started by President Harry Truman shortly after the 4^th of July holiday in 1947. While in Charlottesville, Virginia for a public speaking event at the University of Virginia, Truman became fascinated by the galleries and porticos of the campus buildings that Thomas Jefferson designed. Upon returning home to the White House he began a campaign to add a balcony to the south side of the White House to improve the façade, and provide shade to the lower levels. Truman was sure his predecessors would approve of this addition, since it would be improving the proportion of the façade.

The White House - South Façade

A committee was formed to review the proposed addition, and public outcry ensued to make this one of the most controversial news stories of the time. Truman even sought out the approval of one the nation's most famous architects, William Delano, to help convince nay sayers of the benefits of its construction. As with politics, the newspapers erupted with articles and cartoons. But, despite the disapproval by the committee and the public, Truman ordered  the balcony construction to begin with a budget of $15,000.

The White House during construction

Today, many agree that Truman's vision did improve the facade. For many years since its completion, the President's of our nation have relaxed and entertained on the balcony. Most importantly, Truman's drive to construct the balcony uncovered the structural deficiencies of the existing building. Thus the reconstruction of the White House began in 1948, and was not completed until 1952!

Andy Warhol snaps a Polaroid of Jack Ford (and Bianca Jagger) on the Truman Balcony at the White House on July 2, 1975.

   
If you would like to see additional photos or read more into the history to the Truman Balcony, click on the links below:

• The White House Museum
  
• Wikipedia
  
• Harry S. Truman Library
  

-Sharlee K. Van Tine, LEED AP