🔗 Share this article White House Begins Demolition of East Wing for Planned Banquet Hall Demolition work has commenced on part of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as work advance for the construction of a proposed executive ballroom. Construction crews began tearing down significant portions of a protected entrance and windows in the eastern section earlier this week, with the project being described as a "full upgrade" of the structure. The quarter-billion dollar ballroom addition was initially presented as being "located near" the present facility without changing its original design. "It won't interfere with the present facility. It shall not. It will be close but not touching - and demonstrates full consideration to the current structure, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my preferred. It's my preferred location. I adore it." The construction project was disclosed through social media, with announcement that "work has commenced" on the "long-awaited" ballroom space. "For over 150 years, each chief executive has imagined having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for significant gatherings, State Visits, etc," was written in the statement. The undertaking is being supported through private means by "multiple committed citizens" according to public announcements. The Executive Mansion has served as the traditional residence of the US president for multiple generations. The eastern section was first built in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942. From the southern aspect of the building, observers could see multiple substantial items of building machinery - several featuring national symbols - situated adjacent to the eastern section. The covered entryway, which covers a significant portion of the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and metal cables readily apparent from a considerable distance away. The renovation efforts had attracted a limited group of curious onlookers who paused to inquire photographers and reporters about the current activities. One female, who was wearing a protective gear and a placard with an critical statement on it, voiced her concern. She declined to provide her name. "I'm opposed," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she motioned toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was stationed close by. "See the alterations to it!"