Game on: Melania Trump's White House tennis pavilion project is complete
The pavilion's design was inspired by the architectural style of the White House.
By AP |
Agencies
Melania Trump helped break ground for the project in October 2019.
WASHINGTON: Tennis anyone?
Weeks before her family turns the White House over to President-elect Joe Biden, Melania Trump announced that a new tennis pavilion on the south grounds is ready for action.
The project included sprucing up an existing tennis court and children's garden, in addition to building a pavilion to replace a smaller structure.
The first lady's office said Monday that the pavilion's design was inspired by the architectural style of the White House, especially the East and West Wings. A colonnade, parapet wall and fanlight windows tie the new building to the look and feel of the White House.
History continues to unfold at the @WhiteHouse & I am pleased to announce the completion of the tennis pavilion. Pr… https://t.co/W60IkhFkh7
Mrs. Trump helped break ground for the project in October 2019. Construction was in partnership with the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service. The new building was funded by private donations. The White House did not disclose the cost.
Earlier this year, as the coronavirus pandemic began to take hold in the U.S., the first lady tweeted photos of herself wearing a hard hat while reviewing blueprints for the pavilion.
I am excited to share the progress of the Tennis Pavillion at @WhiteHouse. Thank you to the talented team for their… https://t.co/w1LCR8IqbN
Her critics lashed out, with some calling the photos insensitive during the coronavirus scare. She pushed back in a follow-up tweet encouraging "everyone who chooses to be negative & question my work at the @WhiteHouse to take time and contribute something good & productive in their own communities."
In a written statement Monday, the first lady thanked the "talented craftsmen" who worked on the project and the "generous supporters of the White House."
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"It is my hope that this private space will function as both a place of leisure and gathering for future First Families," she said.
Biden is set to take the oath of office as the nation's 46th president on Jan. 20.
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President Barack Obama, an avid basketball player, had turned the tennis court into one suitable for basketball.
President Donald Trump had been a regular spectator at the annual U.S. Open tennis tournament held in his native New York, but he has not attended since taking office.
Completion of the tennis pavilion follows the first lady's redesign of the White House Rose Garden earlier this year.
From Gucci To Givenchy: A Peek Into Melania Trump's High-On-Fashion UK Visit
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US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are currently on their state visit to the United Kingdom. From dining with the royals to exploring Downing Street 10 with British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip, their visit made headlines around the world. However, one of the highlights of the three-day tour was the first lady's UK-inspired wardrobe.
From Gucci to Givenchy, Mrs Trump opted for expensive brand labels again and left the world stunned with every look.
US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are currently on their state visit to the United Kingdom. From dining with the royals to exploring Downing Street 10 with British Prime Minister..
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Upon arrival, the Trumps headed to the board Air Force One. This marked the first day of their visit.
For this, the first lady opted for a Gucci shirt dress which featured images of London's Big Ben and House of Parliament as an ode to the UK capital. President Trump, on the other hand, donned a dark blue suit with white shirt and a light blue tie.
Upon arrival, the Trumps headed to the board Air Force One. This marked the first day of their visit.For this, the first lady opted for a Gucci shirt dress which featured images of London's Big Ben a..
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Later the same day, the first lady changed into a Burberry and Michael Kors outfit as she touched down Stansted Airport. The 49-year-old opted for a blue pencil skirt by Michael Kors, a Burberry bow blouse and a navy jacket.
Later the same day, the first lady changed into a Burberry and Michael Kors outfit as she touched down Stansted Airport. The 49-year-old opted for a blue pencil skirt by Michael Kors, a Burberry bow ..
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Few hours after arrival, Mrs Trump visited Queen Elizabeth II. For the royal visit, she chose a Dolce & Gabbana and Hervé Pierre creation. Standing next to the Queen, she was spotted in a pencil white dress with lean blue belt. The first lady completed her look with a white hat detailed with a blue strip.
Few hours after arrival, Mrs Trump visited Queen Elizabeth II. For the royal visit, she chose a Dolce & Gabbana and Hervé Pierre creation. Standing next to the Queen, she was spotted in a pencil whit..
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On Monday, the Trump dynasty attended the Queen's state banquet. On this day, Mrs Trump donned a dove grey Dior gown and coupled the sleeveless dress with long white gloves.
On Monday, the Trump dynasty attended the Queen's state banquet. On this day, Mrs Trump donned a dove grey Dior gown and coupled the sleeveless dress with long white gloves.
US first daughter, Ivanka Trump, accompanied her parents to the Queen's state banquet. The presidential was dressed in a cornflower blue gown for the event. She kept her hairdo simple for the royal engagement.
US first daughter, Ivanka Trump, accompanied her parents to the Queen's state banquet. The presidential was dressed in a cornflower blue gown for the event. She kept her hairdo simple for the royal e..
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On Tuesday, After the state banquet, Mrs Trump moved to the formals section of her wardrobe. For her meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip at Downing Street 10, she opted for a brown trench coat by Celine and Hermès. She completed the look with a black belt and carried a sublte Hermès bag.
On Tuesday, After the state banquet, Mrs Trump moved to the formals section of her wardrobe. For her meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip at Downing Street 10, she o..
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Later during the same day, the Trumps hosted a dinner for Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Camilla at the Winfield House. For this, Mrs Trump opted for one of Meghan Markle's favourite labels, Givenchy. The old Hollywood-inspired red gown featured floor-length cape sleeves and sequin detailing. She kept her look subtle with simple studded earrings.
Later during the same day, the Trumps hosted a dinner for Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Camilla at the Winfield House. For this, Mrs Trump opted for one of Meghan ..
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The next day, President Trump joined world leaders and military veterans to mark the 75th D-Day invasion anniversary. For this day, she opted for an ivory flared coat dress from The Row. The Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen creation was completed with a hat.
Later, the US President and first lady departed from Southampton airport and touched down in Ireland. This time, Mrs Trump did not opt for a change of dress.
The next day, President Trump joined world leaders and military veterans to mark the 75th D-Day invasion anniversary. For this day, she opted for an ivory flared coat dress from The Row. The Ashley a..
