White House Commences Demolition of Eastern Section for New Banquet Hall
Demolition work has commenced on part of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as work move forward for the building of a planned presidential event space.
Laborers started removing large sections of a protected entrance and windows in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being described as a "total renovation" of the building.
The $250 million banquet hall construction was earlier characterized as being "situated close to" the existing structure without altering its original design.
"It won't disrupt with the current building. It will not. It'll be near but not touching - and demonstrates full consideration to the present facility, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was announced in a recent statement. "It's my favorite. It's my preferred location. I love it."
The renovation work was revealed through online platforms, with announcement that "work has commenced" on the "highly anticipated" event area.
"For more than 150 years, each chief executive has imagined having a Grand Hall at the White House to welcome visitors for grand parties, official functions, etc," was written in the declaration.
The project is being supported through private means by "many generous Patriots" according to public announcements.
The White House has acted as the historic home of the nation's chief executive for multiple generations. The East Wing was originally constructed in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the southern aspect of the structure, observers could see numerous significant units of work vehicles - some adorned with national symbols - positioned near the East Wing.
The covered entryway, which covers a significant portion of the eastern section's south side, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and metal cables easily seen from multiple city blocks away.
The demolition work had attracted a limited group of curious onlookers who halted to question photographers and reporters about the current activities.
One individual, who was wearing a protective gear and a sign with an anti-administration statement on it, shared her disapproval. She did not identify herself.
"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 stationed close by. "Look what he's doing to it!"
