White House Starts Tearing Down of East Wing for Proposed Ballroom
Construction activity has started on a section of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as work progress for the building of a proposed presidential banquet hall.
Workers started removing extensive areas of a covered entryway and glass panels in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being described as a "full upgrade" of the facility.
The $250 million event space expansion was initially presented as being "located near" the current building without modifying its original design.
"It won't impact with the present facility. It shall not. It will be close but not attached - and shows complete deference to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of," was declared in a recent statement. "It's my preferred. It's my beloved spot. I adore it."
The renovation work was announced through social media, with confirmation that "work has commenced" on the "highly anticipated" event area.
"For over 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has dreamt about having a Grand Hall at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, official functions, etc," was written in the announcement.
The project is being privately funded by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to recent comments.
The White House has acted as the historic home of the US president for two centuries. The East Wing was initially erected in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the structure, onlookers could see multiple substantial items of building machinery - several featuring American banners - situated adjacent to the East Wing.
The covered entryway, which extends across the eastern section's south side, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with demolition materials and industrial cords clearly visible from several hundred meters away.
The construction activity had brought a small number of fascinated spectators who halted to question media personnel about the present operations.
One individual, who was sporting a surgical mask and a placard with an critical message on it, voiced her concern. She chose to remain anonymous.
"I'm opposed," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she gestured at the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was positioned in the vicinity. "Observe the changes to it!"