Executive Mansion Commences Removal of Eastern Section for Planned Ballroom
Renovation efforts has commenced on a portion of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as planning advance for the building of a planned presidential ballroom.
Laborers began tearing down significant portions of a protected entrance and windows in the eastern section earlier this week, with the construction being characterized as a "complete modernization" of the facility.
The $250 million event space expansion was initially presented as being "located near" the current building without changing its original design.
"It won't disrupt with the current building. It shall not. It'll be near but not connected - and pays total respect to the present facility, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my preferred. It's my preferred location. I adore it."
The renovation work was revealed through social media, with announcement that "work has commenced" on the "long-awaited" event area.
"For more than 150 years, every President has imagined having a Grand Hall at the White House to accommodate people for major events, diplomatic receptions, and more," was written in the announcement.
The initiative is being financed independently by "multiple committed citizens" according to public announcements.
The White House has served as the historic home of the nation's chief executive for 200 years. The eastern section was initially erected in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942.
From the southern exposure of the structure, witnesses could see several large pieces of construction equipment - several featuring American banners - situated adjacent to the East Wing.
The covered entryway, which spans much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with concrete debris and metal cables easily seen from several hundred meters away.
The construction activity had brought a limited group of curious onlookers who stopped to ask journalistic staff about the ongoing work.
One woman, who was displaying a surgical mask and a placard with an opposing message on it, expressed her dismay. She declined to provide her name.
"I don't like it," she said - apparently addressing no one specifically - as she pointed toward the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was parked nearby. "Look what he's doing to it!"