Members of the public have the opportunity to provide input on proposed alterations to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB), including a plan to paint the historic granite facade in bright white causing irreversible physical harm to this important structure.

The EEOB is a National Historic Landmark and a contributing element of the Lafayette Square National Historic Landmark District that has been preserved, un-painted, since its completion in 1888. The subtle appearance of granite walls, slate roof, and cast-iron detailing are integral to its architectural significance and are character-defining features. Painting the exterior now would obscure the EEOB’s historic appearance and undermine its character-defining features. Coating the surface with an impermeable layer of paint would trap moisture within the masonry, and accelerate the building’s deterioration.

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.