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…
