White House Commences Removal of East Wing for Planned Banquet Hall
Demolition work has commenced on part of the White House's East Wing as preparations move forward for the construction of a proposed executive banquet hall.
Construction crews commenced demolition of large sections of a sheltered access point and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the renovation being labeled a "full upgrade" of the structure.
The quarter-billion dollar event space expansion was earlier characterized as being "located near" the existing structure without changing its original design.
"It won't interfere with the present facility. It won't be. It'll be near but not connected - and pays total respect to the current structure, which I'm the biggest fan of," was declared in a earlier comment. "It's my preferred. It's my favorite place. I love it."
The construction project was announced through online platforms, with announcement that "construction has begun" on the "highly anticipated" ballroom space.
"For more than 150 years, each chief executive has envisioned having a Event Space at the White House to host guests for significant gatherings, State Visits, among other occasions," was stated in the statement.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to official statements.
The Executive Mansion has acted as the traditional residence of the nation's chief executive for multiple generations. The East Wing was first built in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942.
From the south side of the structure, witnesses could see several large pieces of construction equipment - several featuring national symbols - situated adjacent to the eastern section.
The sheltered access point, which spans much of the East Wing's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and steel wires readily apparent from several hundred meters away.
The renovation efforts had brought a small number of interested observers who halted to question photographers and reporters about the ongoing work.
One woman, who was wearing a surgical mask and a placard with an opposing slogan on it, voiced her concern. She declined to provide her name.
"I don't like it," she said - apparently addressing no one specifically - as she pointed toward the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was parked nearby. "Look what he's doing to it!"