Building repair and reconstruction

The members and officials of the Fine Arts Commission inspecting the excavation and underpinning work to the west of the South Portico of the White House during renovation.

View of north front of the White House. The Seneca stone wall east of the North Portico has been removed and excavation begun to remove water pipes preparatory to enlarging storage area under the lawn. The temporary cable carries electricity from one wing to the other.

Fine Arts Commission members and officials in the Blue Room viewing pieces of the old Cornice of the ceiling in the Main Corridor which are being preserved, during the renovation of the White House. The old Cornice was revealed when the false ceiling, installed in 1902, was removed.

Northeast view in Room 11 during White House renovation. The water pipes were encased in the brick flue which extended from basement to top of building.

Members and officials of the Commission on the roof above the South Portico of the White House. They oversee the renovation work. The view is to the southeast.

White House renovation, north view of east side of the second floor from the Lincoln Room looking through East Sitting Room into Rose Room and small bedroom on right.

West view in lower corridor of the White House during renovation. The curved iron bands supported the vaulted ceiling installed in 1902.

South view in the Family Dining Room during White House renovation. When the vaulted ceiling, installed by McKim, Mead and White in 1902, was removed, the red and white wall paper on the old ceiling was revealed.

View of west wall of the East Room at doorway to the main corridor of the White House during renovation. The design above the doorway dates from 1902. The iron above the doorway and the brickwork around it were installed in 1902.

East wall of the State Dining Room with doorways into the Red Room. The design above, uncovered when the oak paneling was removed, dates from 1902. The old fireplace, bricked up since 1902,is also seen.