Executive Mansion Begins Tearing Down of East Wing for Proposed Banquet Hall
Demolition work has commenced on a portion of the White House's East Wing as preparations move forward for the building of a new executive banquet hall.
Workers started removing significant portions of a protected entrance and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being labeled a "total renovation" of the structure.
The quarter-billion dollar ballroom addition was initially presented as being "positioned adjacent to" the existing structure without changing its architectural integrity.
"It won't disrupt with the present facility. It will not. It will be adjacent but not touching - and pays total respect to the current structure, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my favorite. It's my favorite place. I adore it."
The construction project was revealed through digital channels, with declaration that "work has commenced" on the "highly anticipated" ballroom space.
"For more than 150 years, every President has imagined having a Grand Hall at the White House to welcome visitors for grand parties, official functions, etc," was written in the statement.
The initiative is being supported through private means by "multiple committed citizens" according to recent comments.
The Executive Mansion has served as the historic home of the US president for 200 years. The eastern section was first built in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942.
From the south side of the building, witnesses could see several large pieces of building machinery - multiple displaying US flags - located close to the eastern section.
The covered entryway, which spans much of the East Wing's southern exposure, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with construction waste and steel wires readily apparent from a considerable distance away.
The renovation efforts had drawn a limited group of fascinated spectators who stopped to ask photographers and reporters about the present operations.
One woman, who was wearing a surgical mask and a sign with an opposing message on it, shared her disapproval. She declined to provide her name.
"I'm opposed," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she pointed toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was positioned in the vicinity. "See the alterations to it!"
