4. Truman’s Gut Renovation
Between 1948 and 1952, President Harry S. Truman initiated a comprehensive renovation of the White House, addressing structural issues that had rendered the building unsafe. The project involved excavating 22 feet below the existing foundations to install 126 support beams, creating two sub-basements. The interior was entirely gutted and rebuilt with a steel frame and concrete floors, transforming the White House into a modern residence and workplace. Truman and his family resided in the Blair House across the street during the reconstruction. (whitehousehistory.org)
