White House Starts Removal of Eastern Section for Planned Banquet Hall
Demolition work has started on a section of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as preparations move forward for the building of a new executive banquet hall.
Construction crews started removing extensive areas of a sheltered access point and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being characterized as a "complete modernization" of the building.
The quarter-billion dollar banquet hall construction was earlier characterized as being "located near" the existing structure without modifying its original design.
"It won't interfere with the existing structure. It will not. It will be close but not connected - and shows complete deference to the present facility, which I'm the biggest fan of," was stated in a previous announcement. "It's my favorite. It's my preferred location. I adore it."
The building initiative was revealed through online platforms, with confirmation that "work has commenced" on the "much-needed" event area.
"For longer than 150 years, every President has envisioned having a Event Space at the White House to welcome visitors for grand parties, official functions, and more," was written in the declaration.
The undertaking is being supported through private means by "multiple committed citizens" according to official statements.
The White House has acted as the iconic dwelling of the American leader for two centuries. The eastern section was originally constructed in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.
From the south side of the building, witnesses could see several large pieces of construction equipment - multiple displaying national symbols - situated adjacent to the East Wing.
The covered entryway, which spans much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with concrete debris and steel wires readily apparent from several hundred meters away.
The construction activity had drawn a small number of interested observers who halted to question photographers and reporters about the ongoing work.
One individual, who was wearing a protective gear and a sign with an opposing slogan on it, expressed her dismay. She chose to remain anonymous.
"I don't like it," she said - apparently addressing no one specifically - as she pointed toward the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was positioned in the vicinity. "Observe the changes to it!"
