Executive Mansion Starts Demolition of East Wing for New Event Space
Renovation efforts has commenced on a portion of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as work move forward for the construction of a proposed presidential event space.
Construction crews commenced demolition of extensive areas of a sheltered access point and glass panels in the eastern section earlier this week, with the construction being labeled a "total renovation" of the facility.
The quarter-billion dollar event space expansion was earlier characterized as being "positioned adjacent to" the present facility without modifying its original design.
"It won't interfere with the present facility. It will not. It will be close but not touching - and shows complete deference to the existing building, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was stated in a earlier comment. "It's my favorite. It's my beloved spot. I love it."
The building initiative was announced through social media, with confirmation that "work has commenced" on the "much-needed" ballroom space.
"For over 150 years, each chief executive has dreamt about having a Grand Hall at the White House to accommodate people for significant gatherings, official functions, among other occasions," was expressed in the statement.
The project is being supported through private means by "multiple committed citizens" according to recent comments.
The White House has served 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 facility, observers could see several large pieces of work vehicles - some adorned with US flags - situated adjacent to the eastern section.
The covered entryway, which covers a significant portion of the East Wing's southern facade, appeared to be being stripped, with construction waste and industrial cords readily apparent from multiple city blocks away.
The construction activity had attracted a small number of interested observers who stopped to ask photographers and reporters about the present operations.
One individual, who was displaying a surgical mask and a poster with an critical slogan on it, voiced her concern. She declined to provide her name.
"I'm opposed," she said - apparently addressing no one specifically - as she motioned toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was positioned in the vicinity. "Observe the changes to it!"
