Executive Mansion Begins Demolition of East Wing for Proposed Ballroom
Renovation efforts has begun on part of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as work progress for the creation of a planned presidential ballroom.
Laborers started removing large sections of a sheltered access point and windows in the East Wing earlier this week, with the renovation being described as a "full upgrade" of the building.
The substantial investment ballroom addition was earlier characterized as being "situated close to" the current building without changing its original design.
"It won't impact with the present facility. It will not. It'll be near but not touching - and demonstrates full consideration to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of," was stated in a recent statement. "It's my favorite. It's my favorite place. I love it."
The renovation work was announced through social media, with announcement that "construction has begun" on the "much-needed" event area.
"For over 150 years, each chief executive has envisioned having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for significant gatherings, State Visits, among other occasions," was written in the declaration.
The undertaking is being privately funded by "multiple committed citizens" according to official statements.
The White House has served as the iconic dwelling of the US president for two centuries. The eastern section was originally constructed in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the south side of the building, onlookers could see numerous significant units of building machinery - several featuring US flags - positioned near the eastern section.
The protected entrance, which extends across the East Wing's south side, appeared to be being stripped, with construction waste and metal cables readily apparent from several hundred meters away.
The demolition work had attracted a modest gathering of fascinated spectators who halted to question photographers and reporters about the ongoing work.
One female, who was displaying a surgical mask and a poster with an critical message on it, shared her disapproval. She chose to remain anonymous.
"I don't like it," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she gestured at the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was stationed close by. "Look what he's doing to it!"
