Mr. Truman's Renovation: Transformation

Gallery

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The Grand Staircase leading to the Second Floor Residence, as it appeared on November 20, 1947, prior to the renovation.
National Park Service
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This photo taken March 13, 1950, shows a view to the south in the main stairway with the steps and brick supports of the stairs to the Second Floor removed and only the supports for the stairs from the Ground Floor remaining.
National Park Service
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View of the Grand Staircase at the White House after the Truman renovations. The shape of the stairwell changed, in order to be viewable from the Entrance Hall of the White House.
National Archives and Records Administration
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View to the northeast showing the Entrance Hall and Cross Hall of the White House before the Truman Renovation.
National Archives and Records Administration
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South view of the Entrance Hall with marble columns set in place on June 21, 1951.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

About this Gallery

Abbie Rowe's photographs captured the drama of the interior space as floors were removed to reveal levels above and below. Beginning in November 1950 when the weight of the empty exterior shell of the White House was transferred to a new skeleton of steel, Rowe, recorded in a little more than fifteen months, the rapid construction of a new White House interior.

In 1948 President Truman appointed a Commission on the Renovation of the Executive Mansion to manage the modern transformation of the White House. Historic restoration as we know it today was not considered. Instead, the commission determined to retain the historic sandstone walls, the third floor and the roof, while removing and then rebuilding the other interiors on a skeleton of steel structural beams and a new concrete foundation.