White House Begins Demolition of Eastern Section for Planned Event Space
Construction activity has begun on a section of the White House's East Wing as planning progress for the construction of a proposed presidential ballroom.
Workers started removing large sections of a protected entrance and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being described as a "total renovation" of the structure.
The $250 million event space expansion was initially presented as being "positioned adjacent to" the current building without changing its architectural integrity.
"It won't interfere with the existing structure. It will not. It will be close but not connected - and shows complete deference to the present facility, which I'm the biggest fan of," was announced in a earlier comment. "It's my favorite. It's my preferred location. I love it."
The construction project was announced through digital channels, with confirmation that "ground has been broken" on the "much-needed" event area.
"For more than 150 years, every President has imagined having a Ballroom at the White House to host guests for major events, diplomatic receptions, etc," was stated in the announcement.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "many generous Patriots" according to official statements.
The White House has acted as the iconic dwelling of the US president for 200 years. The East Wing was first built in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942.
From the south side of the structure, observers could see numerous significant units of work vehicles - multiple displaying US flags - located close to the eastern section.
The covered entryway, which spans much of the eastern section's southern facade, appeared to be being stripped, with demolition materials and industrial cords readily apparent from a considerable distance away.
The demolition work had attracted a small number of interested observers who paused to inquire media personnel about the present operations.
One woman, who was wearing a surgical mask and a placard with an critical statement on it, expressed her dismay. She did not identify herself.
"I don't like it," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she pointed toward the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was stationed close by. "Look what he's doing to it!"
