🔗 Share this article White House Starts Tearing Down of Eastern Section for Proposed Event Space Demolition work has commenced on a portion of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as preparations advance for the creation of a planned presidential ballroom. Laborers commenced demolition of extensive areas of a covered entryway and window structures in the eastern section earlier this week, with the project being labeled a "complete modernization" of the building. The $250 million banquet hall construction was earlier characterized as being "situated close to" the current building without modifying its historic appearance. "It won't impact with the present facility. It shall not. It will be adjacent but not attached - and demonstrates full consideration to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of," was announced in a previous announcement. "It's my cherished. It's my preferred location. I adore it." The renovation work was revealed through digital channels, with announcement that "ground has been broken" on the "much-needed" banquet facility. "For over 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to welcome visitors for major events, diplomatic receptions, among other occasions," was stated in the announcement. The undertaking is being supported through private means by "multiple committed citizens" according to recent comments. The White House has acted as the iconic dwelling of the US president for 200 years. The East Wing was originally constructed in 1902 and was last modified in 1942. From the southern exposure of the facility, witnesses could see numerous significant units of construction equipment - some adorned with American banners - positioned near the eastern section. The covered entryway, which covers a significant portion of the East Wing's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with demolition materials and steel wires easily seen from several hundred meters away. The renovation efforts had drawn a limited group of curious onlookers who paused to inquire media personnel about the present operations. One individual, who was displaying a face covering and a placard with an anti-administration message on it, shared her disapproval. She declined to provide her name. "I don't like it," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she motioned toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was parked nearby. "See the alterations to it!"