Trump administration says painting Eisenhower building would hurt landmark’s history

The Trump administration’s plan to put a coat of white paint on the exterior of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building would diminish the historic character of the 19 th -century landmark, according to a draft environmental assessment published Friday .

“The unpainted exterior granite walls, including their natural detail (e.g., grey and pink hues), were hand-selected by the architect and are central to the building’s historic character and original design intent,” the assessment read.

The administration’s proposal to paint the Eisenhower building is a part of President Trump’s larger plan of beautifying the nation’s capital. The exterior paint job is estimated to cost at least $7.5 billion.

The proposal alarmed preservationists, architects, historians and others who argue that granite is not meant to be painted and that paint would trap moisture and deteriorate the stone.

Friday’s report found that the proposed white mineral silica paint is weather resistant and permeable enough that it is unlikely for moisture to be trapped beneath the surface, according to the assessment report.

“Mineral silicate paints are advertised as highly breathable and durable wall coatings that are composed of natural minerals and potassium silicate,” the report noted.

In August, a federal judge allowed the administration to conduct paint tests on the 19th-century building after finding that concerns raised by preservation groups did not prove the testing could cause “irreparable harm.” The judge said the ruling applied only to testing and not the entire project.

Trump has previously criticized the building’s appearance, saying last year that its gray exterior is a “really bad color.”

The Eisenhower building sits next door to the White House and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1969. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites in 1972.