White House Starts Demolition of East Wing for Planned Event Space
Renovation efforts has begun on part of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as work advance for the building of a proposed presidential banquet hall.
Construction crews started removing large sections of a protected entrance and windows in the eastern section earlier this week, with the renovation being described as a "full upgrade" of the structure.
The quarter-billion dollar event space expansion was previously described as being "situated close to" the present facility without modifying its original design.
"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 present facility, which I'm the biggest fan of," was stated in a earlier comment. "It's my cherished. It's my beloved spot. I love it."
The construction project was announced through digital channels, with announcement that "construction has begun" on the "long-awaited" banquet facility.
"For longer than 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has dreamt about having a Grand Hall at the White House to host guests for grand parties, State Visits, and more," was written in the statement.
The initiative is being supported through private means by "many generous Patriots" according to recent comments.
The White House has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the American leader for two centuries. The East Wing was originally constructed in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the building, onlookers could see multiple substantial items of building machinery - some adorned with American banners - located close to the East Wing.
The protected entrance, which covers a significant portion of the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be being stripped, with demolition materials and metal cables readily apparent from several hundred meters away.
The construction activity had drawn a modest gathering of curious onlookers who halted to question journalistic staff about the current activities.
One woman, who was wearing a protective gear and a poster with an opposing statement on it, voiced her concern. She declined to provide her name.
"I don't like it," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she motioned toward the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was positioned in the vicinity. "Look what he's doing to it!"
