White House Begins Removal of Eastern Section for Proposed Ballroom
Construction activity has begun on a section of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as work advance for the building of a proposed executive event space.
Laborers began tearing down extensive areas of a protected entrance and glass panels in the eastern section earlier this week, with the renovation being characterized as a "full upgrade" of the building.
The substantial investment ballroom addition was initially presented as being "located near" the current building without changing its original design.
"It won't disrupt with the current building. 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 declared in a recent statement. "It's my favorite. It's my preferred location. I adore it."
The building initiative was revealed through online platforms, with announcement that "ground has been broken" on the "highly anticipated" ballroom space.
"For over 150 years, each chief executive has imagined having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc," was written in the announcement.
The undertaking is being financed independently by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to recent comments.
The White House has acted as the iconic dwelling of the US president for 200 years. The East Wing was first built in 1902 and was last modified in 1942.
From the south side of the building, onlookers could see several large pieces of building machinery - multiple displaying national symbols - situated adjacent to the eastern section.
The protected entrance, which extends across the East Wing's south side, appeared to be being stripped, with demolition materials and steel wires readily apparent from a considerable distance away.
The construction activity had brought a small number of interested observers who stopped to ask journalistic staff about the current activities.
One female, who was displaying a face covering and a placard with an opposing slogan on it, voiced her concern. She declined to provide her name.
"I'm opposed," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she motioned toward the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was stationed close by. "See the alterations to it!"