Testimony of Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC, counsel to DCPL, on the President’s Plan to Paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building White
Commission of Fine Arts (CFA)
April 16, 2026
We are here, in plain terms, because this is a terrible idea—and apparently no one seems to have the courage to tell the President “no.”
Let me start with the expert consensus.
A group of 25 of the world’s leading architects, architectural historians, and specialists in historic masonry and paint were surveyed on this exact proposal—this building, this material, this paint. These are professionals who have managed some of the most important restoration projects in American history, including the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Many have trained in Europe in the use of the very paint systems being proposed here. Together, they represent more than 650 years of experience. They were asked ten questions. There was complete consensus on every one…
DCPL Testimony to Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) regarding the Monumental Arch
April 16, 2026
The visual connection between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial is not just a simple view; it symbolizes the sacrifices our nation has made in pursuit of its highest ideals. The proposal for a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch threatens this solemn vista. Although the intent may be to honor those who served, the overwhelming scale of this project risks overshadowing the revered landmarks that Americans hold in the highest regard—ensuring that our national landscape remains a place of reflection rather than a showcase of architectural excess. Columbia Island’s transformation from a muddy dredging site to the ceremonial “gateway” of the nation’s capital is a classic story of D.C. urban planning—turning a functional necessity into a landscape of high-stakes symbolism…
DCPL Testimony to Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) regarding East Wing Modernization and Ballroom Addition Concept
February 18, 2026
DCPL is writing to express its serious concerns and strong opposition to the current mass and proportions of the newly designed East Wing addition to the White House. While the current Administration has emphasized the need for modernization and functionality in this important venue, the current design departs from the principles of historic preservation, which dictate that new additions to historic buildings should be deferential to avoid overwhelming or diminishing the significance of the primary structure…
Testimony to the DC Council’s Committee of the Whole, Performance Oversight Hearing for the Office of Planning
February 12, 2026
DCPL has long partnered with HPO to tell the histories of our unique and diverse neighborhoods. Recently, we have been working collaboratively to develop a more complete story of Washington’s residents through context studies on underrepresented communities and topics such as the history of Affordable Housing in the city, with a special emphasis on housing for African Americans. These studies, funded by the National Park Service, help identify priorities for historic protection in traditionally underserved communities and provide a foundation for broader public education…
