Executive Mansion Starts Removal of Eastern Section for Planned Banquet Hall
Construction activity has started on a portion of the White House's East Wing as work progress for the building of a new executive event space.
Laborers commenced demolition of significant portions of a protected entrance and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the construction being described as a "complete modernization" of the structure.
The $250 million ballroom addition was earlier characterized as being "positioned adjacent to" the existing structure without modifying its historic appearance.
"It won't impact with the present facility. It will not. It will be close but not attached - and shows complete deference to the current structure, which I'm the biggest fan of," was announced in a recent statement. "It's my favorite. It's my preferred location. I adore it."
The construction project was revealed through digital channels, with announcement that "construction has begun" on the "highly anticipated" ballroom space.
"For more than 150 years, every President has imagined having a Grand Hall at the White House to accommodate people for major events, diplomatic receptions, etc," was stated in the statement.
The undertaking is being supported through private means by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to official statements.
The Executive Mansion has functioned as the historic home of the nation's chief executive for two centuries. The East Wing was first built in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the structure, observers could see numerous significant units of work vehicles - several featuring American banners - positioned near the eastern section.
The sheltered access point, which spans much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with demolition materials and steel wires readily apparent from multiple city blocks away.
The renovation efforts had drawn a small number of interested observers who paused to inquire photographers and reporters about the ongoing work.
One female, who was wearing a surgical mask and a placard with an anti-administration statement on it, voiced her concern. She chose to remain anonymous.
"I'm opposed," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she gestured at the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was stationed close by. "Look what he's doing to it!"
