White House Starts Removal of East Wing for New Ballroom
Renovation efforts has commenced on part of the White House's eastern section as work move forward for the construction of a planned presidential ballroom.
Laborers started removing extensive areas of a covered entryway and windows in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being described as a "complete modernization" of the facility.
The quarter-billion dollar event space expansion was initially presented as being "positioned adjacent to" the existing structure without modifying its original design.
"It won't interfere with the present facility. It shall not. It will be close but not connected - and shows complete deference to the present facility, which I'm the biggest fan of," was announced in a previous announcement. "It's my preferred. It's my favorite place. I love it."
The construction project was announced through social media, with announcement that "ground has been broken" on the "long-awaited" ballroom space.
"For longer than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Grand Hall at the White House to host guests for major events, diplomatic receptions, etc," was expressed in the declaration.
The project is being supported through private means by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to public announcements.
The White House has acted as the historic home of the nation's chief executive for multiple generations. The eastern section was first built in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942.
From the southern aspect of the building, observers could see multiple substantial items of building machinery - some adorned with US flags - situated adjacent to the East Wing.
The protected entrance, which covers a significant portion of the East Wing's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and metal cables easily seen from a considerable distance away.
The demolition work had drawn a small number of fascinated spectators who stopped to ask journalistic staff about the present operations.
One woman, who was displaying a protective gear and a placard with an anti-administration slogan on it, voiced her concern. She did not identify herself.
"I'm opposed," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she pointed toward the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was positioned in the vicinity. "See the alterations to it!"
