Executive Mansion Starts Tearing Down of East Wing for Planned Banquet Hall
Construction activity has commenced on a portion of the White House's eastern section as planning move forward for the construction of a new presidential banquet hall.
Workers started removing large sections of a covered entryway and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the renovation being characterized as a "total renovation" of the building.
The substantial investment banquet hall construction 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 shall not. It will be close but not connected - and pays total respect to the current structure, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was announced in a earlier comment. "It's my preferred. It's my preferred location. I love it."
The construction project was announced through social media, with announcement that "construction has begun" on the "highly anticipated" ballroom space.
"For longer than 150 years, each chief executive has dreamt about having a Grand Hall at the White House to welcome visitors for grand parties, diplomatic receptions, among other occasions," was stated in the announcement.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to public announcements.
The White House has acted as the historic home of the US president for two centuries. The East Wing was first built in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the structure, observers could see numerous significant units of building machinery - multiple displaying American banners - located close to the East Wing.
The protected entrance, which spans much of the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with demolition materials and steel wires easily seen from a considerable distance away.
The renovation efforts had attracted a modest gathering of curious onlookers who halted to question journalistic staff about the present operations.
One woman, who was sporting a protective gear and a sign with an critical message on it, expressed her dismay. She did not identify herself.
"I don't like it," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she motioned toward the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was stationed close by. "Look what he's doing to it!"
