White House Begins Removal of Eastern Section for Proposed Ballroom
Demolition work has begun on a section of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as preparations advance for the creation of a new executive ballroom.
Construction crews commenced demolition of significant portions of a covered entryway and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the construction being labeled a "total renovation" of the structure.
The substantial investment ballroom addition was initially presented as being "situated close to" the present facility without modifying its historic appearance.
"It won't interfere with the current building. It won't be. It will be close but not touching - and shows complete deference to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my favorite. It's my favorite place. I cherish it."
The construction project was announced through social media, with announcement that "ground has been broken" on the "long-awaited" event area.
"For longer than 150 years, each chief executive has envisioned having a Event Space at the White House to welcome visitors for grand parties, official functions, among other occasions," was stated in the declaration.
The initiative is being privately funded by "many generous Patriots" according to recent comments.
The White House has acted as the historic home of the nation's chief executive for two centuries. The eastern section was first built in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the south side of the building, witnesses could see multiple substantial items of work vehicles - some adorned with national symbols - situated adjacent to the East Wing.
The covered entryway, which extends across the East Wing's southern exposure, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with demolition materials and steel wires readily apparent from several hundred meters away.
The construction activity had drawn a small number of fascinated spectators who halted to question media personnel about the ongoing work.
One woman, who was wearing a protective gear and a placard with an anti-administration slogan on it, expressed her dismay. 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!"
