The White House complex includes two subsidiary structures—the East Wing and the West Wing—that are smaller and lower than the main Executive Residence, contributing to the overall classical design balance of the White House.
October 23, 2025
high
architectural
The East and West Wings are distinct, lower additions flanking the main Executive Residence.
The White House East Wing serves as the official entrance to the White House and is designated as space for the First Lady.
October 20, 2025
high
institutional
Describes the functional role and designated use of the White House East Wing.
Major structural renovations beginning in 1950 gutted the interior of the White House and forced President Harry S. Truman and his family to live in a temporary residence for nearly four years.
January 01, 1950
high
temporal
Mid-20th century structural rehabilitation of the White House.
Some buildings in the former Yugoslavia are regarded as prime examples of mid-20th century architecture.
January 01, 1950
medium
architectural
Characterization of certain postwar structures in the former Yugoslav republics as notable examples of mid-20th century architectural style.
The White House East Wing underwent a renovation in 1942.
January 01, 1942
high
temporal
Recorded renovation year of the East Wing of the White House
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, established in 1910, is an independent federal agency that advises the President and Congress on design plans for monuments, memorials, coins, and federal buildings.
January 01, 1910
high
temporal
Definition and founding year of the federal advisory agency responsible for reviewing design proposals for federal projects.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts is a seven-member commission whose members are experts in architecture, art, urban design, and landscape design.
January 01, 1910
high
temporal
Describes the typical composition and professional expertise of the commission's membership.
Since its creation in 1910, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has reviewed design plans for projects including Arlington National Cemetery and Maya Lin's Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
January 01, 1910
high
temporal
Examples of the types of historic federal and memorial projects the commission has reviewed.
The East Wing of the White House was built in 1902.
January 01, 1902
high
historical
Construction history of White House components
The Haskell Free Library and Opera House was built in 1901 as a gift from Martha Stewart Haskell to serve communities on both sides of the international border.
January 01, 1901
high
temporal
Historic origin and purpose of the building
The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is constructed so that it straddles the Canada–United States border between Stanstead, Quebec and Derby Line, Vermont.
January 01, 1901
high
temporal
Location and cross-border siting of the building
Inside the Haskell Free Library and Opera House a painted demarcation line on the floor marks the division between the Canadian side and the American side of the building.
January 01, 1901
high
descriptive
Architectural and symbolic feature indicating the international boundary within the building
British troops set fire to the White House in 1814 during the War of 1812; architect James Hoban oversaw rebuilding and the restored White House reopened with President James Monroe's arrival in 1817.
January 01, 1814
high
temporal
Destruction and reconstruction of the White House following the War of 1812.
The cornerstone for the White House was laid in October 1792; the neoclassical building was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban and was constructed over eight years by a workforce that included enslaved and freed Black Americans and European immigrants.
October 01, 1792
high
temporal
Origins and construction of the White House.
The Commission of Fine Arts is a federal board that reviews, provides comments on, and approves architecture and construction in Washington, D.C., and the National Capital Planning Commission is a separate federal board that also reviews construction in the capital.
high
procedural
Describes durable institutional roles in oversight of architecture and construction in the U.S. capital.
The J. Edgar Hoover Building is an example of Brutalist-style architecture.
high
descriptive
Architectural classification for the FBI's Pennsylvania Avenue headquarters.
Protective nets have been installed around the J. Edgar Hoover Building to protect pedestrians from falling debris.
high
descriptive
A permanent safety measure applied to the building's exterior.
Several buildings in a landmark military complex in central Belgrade are regarded as prime examples of mid-20th century architecture in the former Yugoslavia.
high
cultural
Characterization of the complex's architectural and heritage significance.