🔗 Share this article White House Begins Removal of Eastern Section for Proposed Ballroom Demolition work has commenced on a section of the White House's eastern section as preparations progress for the construction of a new presidential event space. Laborers began tearing down significant portions of a protected entrance and glass panels in the East Wing earlier this week, with the construction being described as a "total renovation" of the structure. The quarter-billion dollar ballroom addition was earlier characterized as being "positioned adjacent to" the existing structure without modifying its original design. "It won't disrupt with the present facility. It will not. It will be adjacent but not touching - and shows complete deference to the present facility, which I'm the biggest fan of," was stated in a earlier comment. "It's my preferred. It's my preferred location. I adore it." The renovation work was disclosed through social media, with declaration that "work has commenced" on the "much-needed" banquet facility. "For longer than 150 years, each chief executive has envisioned having a Event Space at the White House to welcome visitors for major events, official functions, among other occasions," was written in the statement. The initiative is being privately funded by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to public announcements. The White House has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the US president for multiple generations. The East Wing was first built in 1902 and was last modified in 1942. From the southern aspect of the structure, observers could see multiple substantial items of building machinery - several featuring American banners - positioned near the eastern section. The protected entrance, which spans much of the eastern section's southern facade, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with demolition materials and metal cables readily apparent from multiple city blocks away. The demolition work had attracted a modest gathering of interested observers who halted to question media personnel about the ongoing work. One individual, who was displaying a face covering and a poster with an opposing slogan on it, expressed her dismay. She declined to provide her name. "I disapprove," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she pointed toward the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was positioned in the vicinity. "Look what he's doing to it!"