Today the National Capital Planning Commission held a meeting on the proposal to paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB). In response, the National Trust for Historic Preservation released the following statement:

"We have great concerns about the plan that was presented today to paint the granite exterior of the historic EEOB. As the National Trust stated in our own testimony at the meeting, this poorly thought-out proposal would fail to enhance the landmark building and instead actually harm it in multiple irreversible ways.

The EEOB is a national landmark, the highest historic designation, and the subtle and rich colors of the granite exterior are central to its historic significance. This proposal would fail to protect those character defining features, instead trapping in moisture and damaging the stone over time—creating the need for perpetual cycles of cleaning and repainting at taxpayer expense.

We appreciate the NCPC staff review that was presented today, including their thoughtful suggestions to the Administration. Those included several less destructive alternative methods of enhancing the EEOB's appearance, such as cleaning the building and lighting it, as well as our stated concerns about the potential for the paint to damage the building.

We encourage the Commission to hear the thoughtful suggestions and serious concerns expressed by the public, commenters, and their own staff and deny the proposal to paint the EEOB.”

Related Resources

• Comments Submitted by Rob Nieweg on behalf of the National Trust to NCPC (May 6, 2026)
• Comments Submitted by David Scott Parker, FAIA to NCPC (May 5, 2026)
• Comments Submitted by Kim Hoagland, professor emerita to NCPC (May 3, 2026)
• National Trust Letter Regarding Exterior Improvements Concept (April 15, 2026)
• More resources related to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building