Executive Mansion Begins Removal of East Wing for New Banquet Hall
Demolition work has started on a section of the White House's eastern section as planning move forward for the building of a planned presidential ballroom.
Workers began tearing down significant portions of a covered entryway and windows in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being described as a "complete modernization" of the building.
The $250 million banquet hall construction was previously described as being "positioned adjacent to" the current building without changing its architectural integrity.
"It won't impact with the present facility. It will not. It will be close but not attached - and demonstrates full consideration to the present facility, which I'm the biggest fan of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my preferred. It's my favorite place. I adore it."
The construction project was announced through online platforms, with declaration that "work has commenced" on the "much-needed" ballroom space.
"For longer than 150 years, each chief executive has envisioned having a Event Space at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, diplomatic receptions, etc," was written in the announcement.
The undertaking is being supported through private means by "many generous Patriots" according to official statements.
The Executive Mansion has served as the iconic dwelling of the American leader for two centuries. The eastern section was first built in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.
From the south side of the facility, witnesses could see numerous significant units of work vehicles - some adorned with US flags - positioned near the eastern section.
The protected entrance, which covers a significant portion of the eastern section's southern facade, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with demolition materials 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 female, who was displaying a surgical mask and a placard with an opposing slogan on it, expressed her dismay. She declined to provide her name.
"I disapprove," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she pointed toward the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was parked nearby. "Look what he's doing to it!"
