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Protecting the EEOB

NCPC Commissioners Require More Details from White House

On May 7th, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) considered a proposal to paint the entire historic granite exterior of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) and the meeting  was revealing. 

While our lawsuit contends that this project is illegally before NCPC at this time, Greg and Marion Werkheiser testified against the proposal representing the DC Preservation League and Cultural Heritage Partners respectively. Amazing testimony was also provided by a series of other preservationists, preservation organizations, architects, scholars, and concerned citizens. Commissioners asked hard questions about the painting methods, likely cost, and the legality of the painting proposal coming from the Executive Office of the President.

In the end, Commissioners voted to advance the NCPC staff recommendation, which approved the concept of beautifying the building’s exterior, but required the White House to provide:

  • An evaluation of potential visual or physical impacts of the project on the EEOB AND the Lafayette Square National Historic Landmark District.
  • A summary of other measures considered to meet the project goals, including cleaning the building and/or lighting.
  • Information about the proposed paint to be used, including details regarding initial application, adhesion, water infiltration, long-term maintenance and upkeep, and ease of removal; and its past performance on granite.
  • Photo-realistic visualizations of the EEOB for each paint option and existing condition from pedestrian level locations.


The NCPC, when acting lawfully, plays a central role in reviewing and shaping federal plans and projects that impact the design, preservation, and development of Washington, DC and the surrounding National Capital Region. NCPC’s mission is to preserve and enhance the extraordinary historical, cultural, and natural resources of the National Capital region. We look forward to reviewing these materials when provided. Rigorous analysis of any government claims — by independent and unbought experts — will be critical to the next stage in our fight. 

Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC et. al. v. Trump et. al.

What’s This Case About?

On Wednesday, November 12th,  President Donald J. Trump, in a media interview, revealed his plans to “beautify” the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) by painting its every exterior surface white. The scheme would permanently alter one of the most architecturally significant and historic structures in the Nation’s Capital. With a dramatic exterior crafted in polished granite, slate, and ornate cast-iron trim, the EEOB is a National Historic Landmark and a defining element of the White House complex. The building houses 1,500 employees who work for the Executive Offices of the President and Vice President.

Forty-eight hours after the President’s reveal of his plan, our law firm, its founders Greg and Marion Werkheiser, and the DC Preservation League, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking emergency consideration of the question of whether the President’s violate federal preservation and environmental laws.

For More Information:
Please contact Greg Werkheiser, Founding Partner at Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC,
(703) 408-2002

Legal Filings

  • Links to all filings can be found here

Media Assets

Press Coverage

  • Press coverage of the lawsuit can be found here
 

How Can You Help?

  • Submit a comment to the Commission of Fine Arts and encourage your friends and colleagues to do so as well by 4pm on April 15. See instructions above.
  • Sign a petition opposing changes to the building without completing required reviews here.
  • Contact your Congressional representatives to explain why painting a historically unpainted building is so harmful, why the integrity of historic buildings and districts matters, and how this decision has ripple effects for historic places across the Nation.