Melania Trump is leading a renovation of the White House Rose Garden that will include upgrades for TV appearances
First lady Melania Trump will lead a renovation of the White House Rose Garden, the White House announced Monday.
Changes will include electrical upgrades, improvements for television appearances, as well as new flowers and shrubs, The New York Times first reported.
The renovation will return the Rose Garden to its 1962 footprint and will improve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the White House said.
The White House did not detail the cost of the renovation, though it said it was privately funded and would take about three weeks to complete, according to The New York Times.
https://www.businessinsider.com/melania-trump-renovating-white-house-rose-garden-2020-7
1962 footprint
President Kennedy
THE WHITE HOUSE RESTORATION
Jacqueline Kennedy began a complete restoration of the White House that captivated the American people and set a standard of scholarship and professionalism that has influenced first ladies ever since.
In January 1961, the new residents of the White House were young, sophisticated, and attractive. Many Americans considered the Kennedys a breath of fresh air. They abolished several old social conventions to create a more casual, comfortable atmosphere. Smoking was allowed in the State Rooms, cocktails were served, and receiving lines were almost completely eliminated in favor of a more casual approach to greeting guests. The Kennedys also focused on bringing the arts to Washington and the White House. Mrs. Kennedy had a portable stage set up in the East Room, where performers such as the Opera Society of Washington, mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry and cellist Pablo Casals performed.
Remembering a childhood visit to the White House, Mrs. Kennedy told Life magazine, "From the outside I remember the feeling of the place. But inside, all I remember is shuffling through. There wasn't even a booklet you could buy. Mount Vernon and the National Gallery and the FBI made a far greater impression." Many years later, as she prepared to move in, Mrs. Kennedy was again struck by the bland quality of the rooms. She began cultivating her plans for the restoration of the White House.
https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/the-white-house-restoration