White House Begins Demolition of Eastern Section for New Ballroom
Construction activity has started on part of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as work advance for the creation of a proposed presidential ballroom.
Construction crews began tearing down large sections of a sheltered access point and glass panels in the East Wing earlier this week, with the construction being labeled a "complete modernization" of the facility.
The quarter-billion dollar event space expansion was initially presented as being "located near" the current building without changing its original design.
"It won't impact with the current building. It will not. It will be adjacent but not attached - and pays total respect to the present facility, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was announced in a earlier comment. "It's my preferred. It's my preferred location. I adore it."
The renovation work was revealed through online platforms, with confirmation that "work has commenced" on the "highly anticipated" banquet facility.
"For over 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for major events, State Visits, among other occasions," was written in the statement.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "many generous Patriots" according to official statements.
The White House has functioned as the traditional residence of the US president for multiple generations. The eastern section was initially erected in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the facility, onlookers could see several large pieces of work vehicles - several featuring American banners - situated adjacent to the East Wing.
The covered entryway, which covers a significant portion of the East Wing's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and metal cables easily seen from several hundred meters away.
The construction activity had drawn a small number of curious onlookers who stopped to ask photographers and reporters about the ongoing work.
One woman, who was sporting a protective gear and a poster with an opposing message on it, voiced her concern. She did not identify herself.
"I don't like it," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she gestured at the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was positioned in the vicinity. "Look what he's doing to it!"
