White House Starts Tearing Down of Eastern Section for Proposed Event Space
Demolition work has commenced on a portion of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as preparations progress for the building of a new executive banquet hall.
Laborers started removing large sections of a protected entrance and windows in the East Wing earlier this week, with the renovation being described as a "total renovation" of the facility.
The substantial investment event space expansion was earlier characterized as being "located near" the current building without altering its architectural integrity.
"It won't impact with the current building. It won't be. It'll be near but not touching - and demonstrates full consideration to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of," was declared in a recent statement. "It's my cherished. It's my favorite place. I adore it."
The construction project was disclosed through social media, with announcement that "work has commenced" on the "highly anticipated" event area.
"For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Event Space at the White House to accommodate people for significant gatherings, diplomatic receptions, and more," was stated in the declaration.
The initiative is being supported through private means by "multiple committed citizens" according to public announcements.
The White House has acted as the historic home of the US president for multiple generations. The East Wing was first built in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the facility, witnesses could see numerous significant units of work vehicles - multiple displaying US flags - positioned near the East Wing.
The covered entryway, which extends across the eastern section's south side, appeared to be being stripped, with concrete debris and steel wires readily apparent from a considerable distance away.
The demolition work had drawn a limited group of fascinated spectators who halted to question photographers and reporters about the present operations.
One female, who was displaying a surgical mask and a poster with an critical statement on it, expressed her dismay. She declined to provide her name.
"I disapprove," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she motioned toward the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was positioned in the vicinity. "Look what he's doing to it!"
