Executive Mansion Starts Demolition of East Wing for Proposed Ballroom
Renovation efforts has commenced on a section of the White House's eastern section as work advance for the construction of a new executive banquet hall.
Workers commenced demolition of extensive areas of a protected entrance and windows in the eastern section earlier this week, with the renovation being described as a "complete modernization" of the structure.
The $250 million ballroom addition was previously described as being "situated close to" the current building without changing its historic appearance.
"It won't interfere with the present facility. It won't be. It will be close but not connected - and shows complete deference to the present facility, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was stated in a recent statement. "It's my preferred. It's my preferred location. I love it."
The renovation work was revealed through social media, with announcement that "construction has begun" on the "much-needed" ballroom space.
"For longer than 150 years, each chief executive has dreamt about having a Event Space at the White House to host guests for grand parties, diplomatic receptions, etc," was written in the statement.
The undertaking is being supported through private means by "many generous Patriots" according to official statements.
The Executive Mansion has functioned as the traditional residence of the US president for two centuries. The East Wing was originally constructed in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the south side of the building, witnesses could see multiple substantial items of work vehicles - multiple displaying US flags - situated adjacent to the East Wing.
The protected entrance, which spans much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and steel wires readily apparent from a considerable distance away.
The demolition work had drawn a modest gathering of curious onlookers who stopped to ask photographers and reporters about the present operations.
One woman, who was displaying a face covering and a poster with an anti-administration statement on it, expressed her dismay. She did not identify herself.
"I don't like it," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she motioned toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was stationed close by. "Look what he's doing to it!"
