White House Starts Tearing Down of Eastern Section for Proposed Event Space
Construction activity has begun on part of the White House's eastern section as preparations advance for the building of a planned executive banquet hall.
Workers started removing significant portions of a protected entrance and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the renovation being labeled a "total renovation" of the building.
The $250 million event space expansion was initially presented as being "positioned adjacent to" the current building without altering its architectural integrity.
"It won't disrupt with the current building. It shall not. It will be adjacent but not connected - and pays total respect to the existing building, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was declared in a earlier comment. "It's my cherished. It's my favorite place. I adore it."
The renovation work was disclosed through social media, with announcement that "construction has begun" on the "much-needed" ballroom space.
"For longer than 150 years, each chief executive has dreamt about having a Grand Hall at the White House to accommodate people for major events, diplomatic receptions, etc," was written in the statement.
The initiative is being supported through private means by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to recent comments.
The White House has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the American leader for 200 years. The eastern section was initially erected in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.
From the south side of the facility, onlookers could see several large pieces of work vehicles - several featuring US flags - located close to the eastern section.
The sheltered access point, which extends across the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be being stripped, with construction waste and metal cables clearly visible from multiple city blocks away.
The construction activity had brought a small number of interested observers who stopped to ask photographers and reporters about the ongoing work.
One woman, who was wearing a surgical mask and a sign with an opposing statement on it, expressed her dismay. She declined to provide her name.
"I disapprove," 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!"
