Protecting the EEOB

Dear Commissioners, 

I urge the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) to oppose the plan to paint the EEOB. Painting this iconic gray granite building white would permanently destroy the visual balance of one of America’s most important civic landscapes and irreparably harm this important National Historic Landmark. 

The building’s gray granite is not an accident or a deficiency to be corrected; it is a deliberate and celebrated design choice that has defined this part of the capital for more than 135 years. The EEOB was designed to showcase the natural texture and tonal variation of its granite, and these character defining features are key reasons the EEOB was designated as a National Historic Landmark. Paint would obscure the craftsmanship and detail that define its historic design. Moreover, the gray stone of the EEOB and of the Treasury Building bookend and highlight the stark white of the White House. Painting the EEOB, which is far larger than the White House, the same color will eliminate the White House’s visual distinction. 

Granite is not meant to be painted. To apply paint, the surface must be abraded so the 

coating can adhere. Once applied, the paint traps moisture within the stone. Over time, 

that moisture causes cracking, flaking, and degradation of the surface. And critically, once paint is applied to historic masonry, it cannot be removed without further damaging the stone. The Office of the President has proposed using so-called “mineral silicate” paints. But these coatings are effective on materials like limestone and sandstone—not granite, which lacks the chemistry required for proper bonding. In fact, many of the world’s leading experts in stone conservation, historic materials, and preservation science have been surveyed on this plan and agree such paints may perform even worse on granite than conventional paint, and painting the EEOB’s granite will cause lasting damage to the building. The federal government’s own longstanding guidance warns against painting historic granite for precisely these reasons.  

Moreover, this project would create permanent maintenance and management challenges for the EEOB, exponentially increasing the building’s cost to the American taxpayer. Given the size and complexity of the building, painting the granite would require scaffolding erected against the building the vast majority of the time and would lead to massive ongoing maintenance costs over the building’s current requirements. In addition, white paint would highlight environmental staining and weathering far more than the existing granite, creating need for more frequent cleaning.  

There are better, well-established alternatives to enhance the beauty of this National Historic Landmark. Cleaning and repointing have successfully restored and brightened the building’s exterior in the past without damaging the stone — when done using methods approved in the Secretary of Interior’s guidance. Other options for beautification include modernized architectural lighting and landscaping. I support preservation approaches that enhance the building while respecting established standards. Please deny the concept design for painting the EEOB white. 

Thank you for your consideration.  

[Name] 

[Affiliation if relevant]