White House Starts Removal of East Wing for Planned Banquet Hall
Construction activity has begun on a section of the White House's East Wing as planning move forward for the building of a new presidential ballroom.
Laborers started removing large sections of a sheltered access point and glass panels in the eastern section earlier this week, with the renovation being labeled a "full upgrade" of the building.
The quarter-billion dollar banquet hall construction was initially presented as being "positioned adjacent to" the current building without altering its architectural integrity.
"It won't interfere with the existing structure. It shall not. It will be adjacent but not connected - and shows complete deference to the present facility, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my favorite. It's my beloved spot. I adore it."
The renovation work was revealed through digital channels, with announcement that "construction has begun" on the "highly anticipated" event area.
"For longer than 150 years, every President has imagined having a Event Space at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, official functions, etc," was written in the statement.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "multiple committed citizens" according to public announcements.
The Executive Mansion has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the American leader for multiple generations. The East Wing was originally constructed in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the facility, observers could see numerous significant units of construction equipment - multiple displaying national symbols - situated adjacent to the East Wing.
The sheltered access point, which spans much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be being stripped, 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 halted to question media personnel about the present operations.
One female, who was displaying a protective gear and a placard with an critical slogan on it, shared her disapproval. She declined to provide her name.
"I disapprove," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she pointed toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was positioned in the vicinity. "Look what he's doing to it!"
