White House Starts Demolition of East Wing for Proposed Banquet Hall
Renovation efforts has commenced on part of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as preparations move forward for the creation of a proposed presidential ballroom.
Workers commenced demolition of extensive areas of a sheltered access point and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being characterized as a "full upgrade" of the facility.
The quarter-billion dollar ballroom addition was previously described as being "located near" the existing structure without altering its historic appearance.
"It won't disrupt with the current building. It will not. It will be adjacent but not connected - and shows complete deference to the existing building, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was declared in a earlier comment. "It's my preferred. It's my preferred location. I love it."
The construction project was disclosed through social media, with confirmation that "work has commenced" on the "highly anticipated" event area.
"For more than 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has imagined having a Grand Hall at the White House to accommodate people for major events, State Visits, and more," was stated in the statement.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "multiple committed citizens" according to recent comments.
The Executive Mansion has served as the iconic dwelling of the American leader for 200 years. The eastern section was first built in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the south side of the structure, onlookers could see numerous significant units of work vehicles - several featuring American banners - positioned near the eastern section.
The protected entrance, which extends across the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and industrial cords readily apparent from multiple city blocks away.
The construction activity had drawn a limited group of interested observers who paused to inquire journalistic staff about the current activities.
One female, who was sporting a surgical mask and a placard with an critical slogan on it, expressed her dismay. She declined to provide her name.
"I disapprove," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she motioned toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was positioned in the vicinity. "Look what he's doing to it!"
