The last few weeks have brought movement on challenges to proposed changes to various D.C. Civic Landmarks. Here is a quick roundup on this activity and more information on where you can learn more.

The White House

On August 7, 2026, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the District Court’s preliminary injunction which, although stayed for 14-days, blocks above-ground construction on the Ballroom unless and until Congress takes action. In response, National Trust for Historic Preservation President and CEO Brent Leggs stated “This is a great day for our country and for the American people's right to voice their opinions about the historic places they cherish, including the White House. From the beginning, our position has been clear and consistent: the law states that only Congress can authorize the construction of a ballroom at the White House.”

Read the full statement and learn more about the White House Ballroom proposal.

Monumental Arch

At the start of August, as part of the Section 106 review process, the National Park Service released a document acknowledging adverse effects to 37 different historic properties as a result of the construction of the arch on Memorial Circle. Included on this list was the significant viewshed between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial where a 250-foot “triumphal arch” will disrupt an important visual and symbolic vista.

Learn more in this story from NPR

Eisenhower Executive Office Building

On July 30, Cultural Heritage Partners and the DC Preservation League filed a request for an emergency hearing, temporary restraining order, and preliminary injunction to prevent planned paint testing of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB). A hearing is scheduled for August 18. Until the hearing the government agreed that it would not perform any physically invasive testing including taking any core samples from the EEOB's facade, applying mineral silicate or other paints, pressure-washing the exterior, and other physically invasive actions.

Learn More at Cultural Heritage Partners.

Kennedy Center

DC Preservation League recently shared that the government has agreed not to move to dismiss the case and to file an answer to the complaint from the coalition. “This means the case will proceed, allowing the court—and our coalition of Plaintiffs—to monitor the Center’s construction activities.”

As described in DCPL’s update, the Kennedy Center is considering three options:

(1) a full closure during construction, (2) a partial closure with limited public access, or (3) a series of phased closures targeting the most urgent repairs first while maintaining more onsite programming. Notably, the government has stated in its most recent status report that there are no current plans to demolish the Center, erect a new building, or materially alter its exterior.

Next steps will occur after the Kennedy Center Board meets in late August and the court has requested the government to file a response within five days of the meeting.

Learn more on the DC Preservation League’s LinkedIn