Executive Mansion Begins Removal of Eastern Section for Planned Ballroom
Renovation efforts has commenced on a section of the White House's East Wing as preparations advance for the creation of a new presidential banquet hall.
Construction crews started removing extensive areas of a protected entrance and glass panels in the eastern section earlier this week, with the construction being described as a "total renovation" of the building.
The quarter-billion dollar banquet hall construction was initially presented as being "located near" the existing structure without altering its architectural integrity.
"It won't impact with the existing structure. It shall not. It will be adjacent but not attached - and shows complete deference to the existing building, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my favorite. It's my favorite place. I adore it."
The renovation work was disclosed through social media, with confirmation that "construction has begun" on the "much-needed" ballroom space.
"For longer than 150 years, every President has imagined having a Event Space at the White House to host guests for significant gatherings, diplomatic receptions, etc," was written in the statement.
The initiative is being financed independently by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to recent comments.
The White House has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the US president for 200 years. The eastern section was first built in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the building, witnesses could see numerous significant units of building machinery - several featuring US flags - located close to the eastern section.
The protected entrance, which spans much of the eastern section's south side, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and steel wires easily seen from multiple city blocks away.
The demolition work had drawn a limited group of curious onlookers who stopped to ask media personnel about the current activities.
One individual, who was sporting a surgical mask and a sign with an critical statement on it, voiced her concern. She did not identify herself.
"I'm opposed," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she gestured at the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was positioned in the vicinity. "See the alterations to it!"
