Executive Mansion Starts Removal of Eastern Section for Proposed Banquet Hall
Renovation efforts has begun on part of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as planning move forward for the creation of a planned presidential ballroom.
Workers started removing significant portions of a protected entrance and glass panels in the eastern section earlier this week, with the renovation being labeled a "complete modernization" of the structure.
The quarter-billion dollar event space expansion was initially presented as being "positioned adjacent to" the current building without altering its historic appearance.
"It won't disrupt with the present facility. It won't be. It will be close but not attached - and pays total respect to the existing building, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my preferred. It's my favorite place. I cherish it."
The building initiative was revealed through online platforms, with confirmation that "ground has been broken" on the "much-needed" banquet facility.
"For longer than 150 years, each chief executive has imagined having a Grand Hall at the White House to host guests for significant gatherings, State Visits, among other occasions," was written in the declaration.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "multiple committed citizens" according to recent comments.
The White House has functioned as the historic home of the US president for multiple generations. 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 multiple substantial items of construction equipment - multiple displaying national symbols - located close to the East Wing.
The protected entrance, which spans much of the eastern section's south side, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with concrete debris and industrial cords readily apparent from multiple city blocks away.
The demolition work had attracted a small number of curious onlookers who halted to question photographers and reporters about the current activities.
One female, who was displaying a face covering and a poster with an opposing message on it, voiced her concern. She chose to remain anonymous.
"I'm opposed," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she pointed toward the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was stationed close by. "See the alterations to it!"
