White House Bowling Alley Gets $250,000 Lighting Upgrade

The extensive White House renovations continue, with an unlikely place getting the next significant upgrade. Here is a look at the new lighting plans for the White House bowling alley.

White House Bowling Alley Slated for Major Lighting Upgrade

Most Americans probably do not know that the White House even has its own bowling alley, let alone that it is about ready to receive a big upgrade in its lighting. Politico announced on Monday that the exclusive two-lane alley is going to receive a $250,000 lighting upgrade.

According to the report, contractor Charles Mann Enterprises was awarded a project worth over $250,000 by the General Services Administration (GSA) working in partnership with the Trump administration. Founded by former NFL player Charles Mann, the construction management company is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Politico reported that nearly $250,000 will be earmarked for lighting work on the Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley. Another $8,800 has been set aside for the escort services needed to accompany the outside vendors into the secure areas of the White House complex.

The report details that Charles Mann Enterprises was also awarded a separate $878,000 contract for work on the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) basement studio. This award was granted on August 18. Although the bowling alley is located in the EEOB basement, the details are not clear whether the separate funding is related to the alley upgrades or if it is another project entirely.

History of the White House Bowling Alley

The bowling alley dates back to the presidency of President Harry S. Truman. Funded by people in Truman's home state of Missouri, the alley was opened to celebrate the president's 63rd birthday. The alley opened in 1947 in the West Wing. It was relocated to the EEOB in 1955, where it is now housed.

The venue is reserved for White House occupants, staff, and guests to the People's House. It has also been the site of several charity events over the years.

In addition to the two-lane Truman alley, the White House is also home to a one-lane bowling alley located in the basement of the president’s official home. This smaller venue was installed under President Richard Nixon in 1973, and is primarily used by the president's family.

The GSA proposed completely rebuilding the bowling alley in 2014 when former President Barack Obama was in office. At the time, the GSA defended the proposal, saying, “It has been fifteen years since these lanes have had any professional, industry-standard maintenance, modifications, repairs, or attention. They are now irreparable.”

However, the proposed upgrade was canceled the same day as the announcement after drawing the ire of GOP lawmakers and the public. Former Rep. Pat Meehan from the state of Pennsylvania went so far as to introduce an amendment blocking federal money from being used for the renovation. Meehan said that “With our nation $17 trillion in debt, upgrading the president’s private bowling alley shouldn’t be a priority. A spiffy new bowling alley may suit the wants for commander in chief, but I think I speak for the taxpayers of the seventh congressional district when I assert that it is certainly not a need.”

Then Republican National Committee (RNC) chair Reince Priebus also pounced on the story, posting a list of items that needed funding, comparing broader issues such as the economy and border security to the improvements to the bowling alley.

Fast forward five years and the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America stepped in to pay for the alley to receive an extensive renovation shortly after President Donald Trump took office for the first time. The Trump family famously spent their first night in the White House in 2019 enjoying the alley. First lady Melania Trump was put in charge of this renovation project that was focused on restoring the original wood late, updating the electrical wiring, and refreshing the interior.

The venue was also the subject of renovations in 1994 under the leadership of former President Bill Clinton.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what's next.