Watch: Demolition of Trump's new ballroom
Cranes have been spotted near the White House as the next steps begin in President Trump's $200 million, 90,000-square-foot expansion of the East Wing.
Workers demolish the facade of the East Wing of the White House as construction begins on a new state ballroom planned by President Donald Trump.
The demolition is part of a $250 million construction project for the future White House State Ballroom, Reuters reported this week.
President Donald Trump announced plans for the ballroom last summer, although he said at the time that the initiative would have no impact on the current structure of the White House, Reuters reported.
“It will be beautiful,” Trump said at the time. “It won't impact the current building. It won't be that – it will be close to it but not touching it. And it pays absolute respect to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of. It's my favorite.”
Here's what you should know about the White House construction.
What's going on in the White House?
Reuters reported that workers demolished part of the facade of the East Wing of the White House on Monday, October 20, in preparation for construction of the new State Ballroom. Trump previously said the project would not cause damage to the existing building.
What is the State Ballroom Project?
The White House announced Trump's plans on July 31 to build a new state ballroom, calling for a 90,000-square-foot space with capacity for 650 people. The project will have engineering by AECOM, construction by Clark Construction and design by McCrery Architects, according to a news release.
“President Trump is a builder at heart and has an exceptional eye for detail. The President and the Trump White House are committed to working with appropriate organizations to preserve the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom for future administrations and future generations of Americans to enjoy,” White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said in a statement at the time.
Trump posted on social media that the East Wing “will be fully modernized as part of this process and will be more beautiful than ever when completed!”
The ballroom will be financed by private donors, Trump said.
What is the East Wing?
The current East Wing of the White House was built in 1942 during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to create more offices and staff quarters, according to the White House Historical Association.
A smaller east wing had been built in 1902 during the administration of President Theodore Roosevelt, and the 1942 expansion also concealed the construction of an underground bunker, the White House Museum said.
The East Wing traditionally serves as an area for the office of the first lady and her staff, notes the White House Historical Association.
Reuters contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.