The bowling alley has remained a favorite place for presidents of both parties since President Harry S. Truman opened it in 1947

NEED TO KNOW

• The Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley has been a favorite spot for presidents since it opened in 1947
• Nearly $250,000 will be spent on lighting work, with additional funds for secure escort services during the project
• The bowling alley was last renovated during Trump’s first term, with updates overseen by Melania Trump

President Donald Trump is upgrading the White House’s exclusive two-lane bowling alley.

On Monday, Aug. 31, Politico announced that contractor Charles Mann Enterprises was awarded over $250,000 by the General Services Administration (GSA) with support from Trump’s Executive Office.

Nearly $250,000 will be used for lighting work on the two-lane Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley, the outlet reported, citing public contract awards. An additional $8,800 will be used for escort services related to the project, which involves accompanying outside workers through secure areas. 

According to Politico, Charles Mann Enterprises—a Washington-based construction management company founded by former NFL player Charles Mann—was awarded a separate $878,000 contract for an Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) basement studio project on Aug. 18. ​

While the bowling alley is in the EEOB basement, it is currently unclear whether this fund relates to that project, as the award listing provided no further information. 

The bowling alley has remained a favorite spot for presidents of both parties since President Harry S. Truman opened it in 1947. Relocated from the West Wing to the EEOB in 1955, the exclusive venue is reserved for White House aides and their guests. 

Back in 2014, the GSA proposed a complete rebuild of the bowling alley under former President Barack Obama.

“It has been fifteen years since these lanes have had any professional, industry-standard maintenance, modifications, repairs, or attention,” the GSA said at the time, per Time magazine. “They are now irreparable.”

The upgrade was canceled around 90 minutes after the announcement amid debates on whether it was a good use of taxpayer money. Former Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Pa.) even introduced an amendment blocking federal money from going toward the renovation.

“With our nation $17 trillion in debt, upgrading the president’s private bowling alley shouldn’t be a priority,” Meehan said at the time, per The Hill. “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.”

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The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America paid for the bowling alley to receive a “full renovation” during Trump’s first administration, per a 2019 press release.

First lady Melania Trump oversaw the restoration of the original wooden lane, updated electrical wiring, new mechanics and a “fresh” interior.

The bowling alley was also renovated in 1994 by former President Bill Clinton.

Representatives from the White House, General Services Administration and Charles Mann Enterprises did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on the latest makeover.

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