Executive Mansion Starts Removal of East Wing for Proposed Ballroom
Demolition work has begun on part of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as work advance for the building of a proposed executive banquet hall.
Construction crews started removing extensive areas of a covered entryway and glass panels in the eastern section earlier this week, with the renovation being characterized as a "complete modernization" of the structure.
The substantial investment banquet hall construction was earlier characterized as being "situated close to" the present facility without altering its original design.
"It won't interfere with the current building. It won't be. It will be adjacent but not attached - and shows complete deference to the current structure, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was declared in a earlier comment. "It's my favorite. It's my favorite place. I cherish it."
The renovation work was disclosed through social media, with announcement that "work has commenced" on the "highly anticipated" event area.
"For more than 150 years, each chief executive has imagined having a Grand Hall at the White House to host guests for grand parties, official functions, etc," was stated in the announcement.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to public announcements.
The White House has served as the iconic dwelling of the US president for two centuries. The eastern section was initially erected in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942.
From the southern aspect of the building, onlookers could see multiple substantial items of work vehicles - some adorned with American banners - positioned near the East Wing.
The sheltered access point, which extends across the East Wing's southern facade, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and metal cables clearly visible from a considerable distance away.
The demolition work had attracted a modest gathering of curious onlookers who stopped to ask media personnel about the ongoing work.
One woman, who was displaying a protective gear and a poster with an opposing message on it, expressed her dismay. She chose to remain anonymous.
"I disapprove," she said - apparently addressing no one specifically - as she pointed toward the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was parked nearby. "See the alterations to it!"
