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In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our weekly Architrivia.
While film buffs and Nicolas Cage lovers alike might point to Disney's 2004 classic National Treasure as a good starting point for those interested in exploring the mountain of myths, legends, and lore surrounding the founding of the United States and the construction of America's most famous residence, the fact is that there is much about 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue that remains little known to the public to this day, as the White House remains a veritable book of secrets more than 200 years after its completion.
Constructed between 1792 and 1800, the original White House, or Executive Mansion as it was then called, was built by African slave labourers and European craftsmen, carpenters, and stone masons. The structure we see today is comprised of 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, eight staircases, and three elevators spread across six floors for a total of 55,000 square feet. Home to every President since John Adams — George Washington died during construction — the White House has been built upon and expanded during virtually every presidency since its first occupation in 1800, including of course in the aftermath of its complete destruction by fire during the War of 1812.
Notable additions include the construction of the South and North porticos in 1824 and 1829 during the presidencies of James Monroe and Andrew Jackson, the creation of the West Wing by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902, and the first modern overhaul and renovation of a large portion of the White House completed in 1952 by Harry S. Truman. In more recent times, the White House has received a series of more modest, albeit more personal, touches and upgrades, such as the addition of wheelchair-friendly ramps for Franklin D. Roosevelt, an upgraded basement bowling alley overseen by Richard M. Nixon, and a seven-seat hot tub installed on special executive order by Bill Clinton.
An ever-popular icon and tourist attraction, the White House receives an average influx of no less than 6,000 visitors per day. America's most famous home is host to an endless series of private and public events, receptions, state dinners, and a revolving door of international VIPs and world leaders, which together makes 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue the hottest address in town. Soon to become home to either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, the living legacy of the White House will endure, with each candidate more than certain to put their own unique stamp on it. A stalwart symbol of American identity, pride, ideals, and shared common values, the White House will live on, continuing to serve the needs of each successive administration for generations to come.
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