White House Begins Demolition of Eastern Section for New Banquet Hall
Demolition work has commenced on a section of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as planning progress for the creation of a proposed executive ballroom.
Construction crews started removing large sections of a sheltered access point and windows in the East Wing earlier this week, with the construction being labeled a "total renovation" of the facility.
The substantial investment event space expansion was initially presented as being "situated close to" the current building without changing its original design.
"It won't impact with the present facility. It shall not. It will be adjacent but not attached - and demonstrates full consideration to the current structure, which I'm the biggest fan of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my preferred. It's my beloved spot. I love it."
The construction project was revealed through social media, with declaration that "work has commenced" on the "highly anticipated" banquet facility.
"For more than 150 years, each chief executive has imagined having a Grand Hall at the White House to host guests for major events, official functions, and more," was stated in the statement.
The project is being supported through private means by "multiple committed citizens" according to recent comments.
The Executive Mansion has acted as the historic home of the US president for 200 years. The East Wing was initially erected in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the south side of the facility, witnesses could see multiple substantial items of construction equipment - multiple displaying American banners - located close to the eastern section.
The covered entryway, which spans much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with concrete debris and industrial cords easily seen from multiple city blocks away.
The demolition work had drawn a limited group of curious onlookers who halted to question media personnel about the present operations.
One female, who was wearing a protective gear and a poster with an opposing slogan on it, voiced her concern. She chose to remain anonymous.
"I don't like it," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she motioned toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was stationed close by. "See the alterations to it!"
