Trump plans underground White House facility to modernize visitor security

WASHINGTON, DC: As part of a larger plan to modernize the historic White House and improve the experience for visitors, Donald Trump's administration has suggested building a large underground security facility to screen people who come to the White House.

Plans sent to federal planners show a 33,000-square-foot underground screening center that would be built under Sherman Park, just southeast of the White House grounds.

New visitor screening system at the White House

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is scheduled to consider plans for the approximately 33,000-square-foot visitor screening facility that would be built entirely on federal land in Sherman Park, southeast of the White House.

The NCPC is the commission that approves construction projects on federal land in the Washington, DC, region.

If approved, construction could begin as early as late summer and be completed by July 2028, according to preliminary plans.

The plans, listed on the agenda for the NCPC's April 2 meeting, were developed by the Executive Office of the President in conjunction with the US Secret Service, the Interior Department, and the National Park Service.

The new facility would allow visitors to queue in multiple entry lanes for an initial ID check before proceeding to a new lobby and another checkpoint. The proposed screening area would be built to accommodate large groups.

Replacing temporary White House visitor screening sites

For years, White House visitors lined up in Sherman Park before passing through temporary trailers used for security checks.

Due to the construction of the White House's new East Wing ballroom, visitors currently gather at an alternate location in Lafayette Park.

"For far too long, visitors to the White House have had a reduced experience where they were required to begin their tours by entering temporary, double-wide trailers and tents outside, often in uncomfortable weather conditions," White House spokesman Davis Ingle told CBS News in a statement.

"This President took it upon himself to modernize the experience for visitors touring the People's House from beginning to end. President Trump is committed to giving all visitors to the White House the best experience possible."

The plans also take into account "visitor use and aesthetic appeal" by maintaining public access to the park and avoiding structures that would detract from the surrounding buildings and monuments.  

The White House is working on a bigger plan to change its grounds, which includes building a big new ballroom and other redevelopment plans that have received both praise and criticism in Washington.