White House entrance undergoing 'security enhancements and upgrades'

The project is covered by large tarps mimicking the existing portico.

Security enhancements are underway on the North Portico of the White House, according to a White House official.

The work to the entrance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is for "security enhancements and upgrades," the official said, and is expected to be finished around mid-September.

It's not yet clear what the security enhancements entail.

The project has been covered up by large tarps that have columns and a lamp printed on the side to mimic the existing portico.

The new security project comes as work was already being done to the front face of the White House.

In late June, scaffolding went up around the columns around the front door of the building, which a White House official said at the time is "standard restoration work" to repair the stone columns.

Separately, the Trump administration is proposing a project that would fence off Lafayette Park and possibly even Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House citing security risks, according to a plan submission from the Commission of Fine Arts.

"The concept approach may include discreet fencing, monitoring systems, and alarms, applied in a way that preserves day-to-day openness while enabling temporary closures when required," according to the plan submission, which includes multiple options for permanent 8 or 9-foot non-scalable fencing around Lafayette Park and possibly even Pennsylvania Avenue.

The commission is to discuss the proposal at a meeting on July 16.

The plan pointed to the current temporary fencing and bike racks that have been installed to close off the park to visitors, but said those temporary measures are "not sustainable" in the long-term.

The plan also said that Lafayette Park and Pennsylvania Avenue are a "focal point" for the public to gather for demonstrations. They said that there have been assemblies that "elevate into non-peaceful demonstration."

"A permanent fence that is properly anchored would provide separation which would assist in de-escalating most potentially violent protest," the plan added.

The Trump administration has undertaken several other projects around the People's House since the president returned to office.

On the South Lawn, a granite helipad is currently being constructed for Marine One. Trump announced last week the multimillion-dollar helipad would be paid for by Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.

Trump's transformation of the White House also includes demolishing the East Wing last year to make way for construction of his massive White House ballroom. Trump has described the project, which faces legal challenges, as a "shield" and fortress for future presidents.

Trump has also paved over the grass at the White House Rose Garden to create a patio with tables, and erected two massive flagpoles on the North and South lawns. He also installed plaques underneath portraits of presidents along the West Wing Colonnade, dubbed the "Presidential Walk of Fame."

Some of the projects have drawn opposition. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to block construction of the White House ballroom, and a U.S. District Court judge issued an order halting work -- but that order was later put on hold as an appeals court hears the case .

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