Executive Mansion Starts Demolition of East Wing for Planned Ballroom
Demolition work has commenced on a portion of the White House's East Wing as work advance for the creation of a planned presidential ballroom.
Laborers commenced demolition of large sections of a protected entrance and glass panels in the eastern section earlier this week, with the construction being labeled a "complete modernization" of the facility.
The quarter-billion dollar banquet hall construction was initially presented as being "situated close to" the current building without modifying its original design.
"It won't disrupt with the current building. It shall not. It'll be near but not touching - and shows complete deference to the present facility, which I'm the biggest fan of," was stated in a previous announcement. "It's my favorite. It's my preferred location. I love it."
The renovation work was revealed through digital channels, with announcement that "ground has been broken" on the "long-awaited" ballroom space.
"For more than 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has envisioned having a Event Space at the White House to host guests for major events, official functions, etc," was expressed in the announcement.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "many generous Patriots" according to recent comments.
The Executive Mansion has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the nation's chief executive for two centuries. The eastern section was originally constructed in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the building, observers could see numerous significant units of work vehicles - multiple displaying American banners - situated adjacent to the East Wing.
The protected entrance, which spans much of the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with construction waste and steel wires readily apparent from multiple city blocks away.
The construction activity had drawn a small number of interested observers who halted to question photographers and reporters about the present operations.
One woman, who was sporting a surgical mask and a poster with an critical slogan on it, shared her disapproval. She did not identify herself.
"I don't like it," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - 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!"
