White House Begins Removal of Eastern Section for New Ballroom
Renovation efforts has begun on part of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as work progress for the construction of a proposed presidential ballroom.
Workers commenced demolition of large sections of a sheltered access point and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the construction being described as a "full upgrade" of the facility.
The quarter-billion dollar ballroom addition was previously described as being "situated close to" the present facility without modifying its original design.
"It won't disrupt with the present facility. It will not. It'll be near but not attached - and demonstrates full consideration to the present facility, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was announced in a earlier comment. "It's my preferred. It's my favorite place. I cherish it."
The renovation work was disclosed through social media, with confirmation that "work has commenced" on the "highly anticipated" banquet facility.
"For over 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for significant gatherings, diplomatic receptions, etc," was written in the announcement.
The project is being privately funded by "multiple committed citizens" according to official statements.
The Executive Mansion has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the US president for 200 years. The eastern section was originally constructed in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942.
From the southern aspect of the building, onlookers could see several large pieces of building machinery - multiple displaying American banners - located close to the eastern section.
The covered entryway, which extends across the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with concrete debris and steel wires clearly visible from multiple city blocks away.
The demolition work had drawn a small number of interested observers who paused to inquire journalistic staff about the ongoing work.
One individual, who was wearing a protective gear and a placard with an critical message on it, shared her disapproval. She did not identify herself.
"I'm opposed," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she gestured at the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was parked nearby. "See the alterations to it!"
