White House Commences Tearing Down of East Wing for Proposed Banquet Hall
Construction activity has begun on a portion of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as work advance for the building of a new presidential banquet hall.
Workers began tearing down significant portions of a protected entrance and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being labeled a "full upgrade" of the facility.
The $250 million banquet hall construction was earlier characterized as being "positioned adjacent to" the existing structure without modifying its historic appearance.
"It won't disrupt with the existing structure. It shall not. It will be close but not touching - and shows complete deference to the current structure, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was stated in a previous announcement. "It's my preferred. 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 longer than 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to host guests for grand parties, diplomatic receptions, and more," was written in the statement.
The initiative is being supported through private means by "many generous Patriots" according to public announcements.
The Executive Mansion has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the nation's chief executive for multiple generations. The eastern section was originally constructed in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the facility, witnesses could see several large pieces of construction equipment - multiple displaying national symbols - located close to the eastern section.
The covered entryway, which covers a significant portion of the East Wing's southern facade, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and steel wires clearly visible from several hundred meters away.
The demolition work had attracted a small number of interested observers who stopped to ask media personnel about the present operations.
One woman, who was sporting a surgical mask and a sign with an anti-administration statement on it, voiced her concern. She declined to provide her name.
"I disapprove," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she motioned toward the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was stationed close by. "See the alterations to it!"
