🔗 Share this article Executive Mansion Commences Tearing Down of East Wing for Planned Event Space Renovation efforts has commenced on part of the White House's eastern section as work progress for the building of a new presidential banquet hall. Workers began tearing down significant portions of a protected entrance and glass panels in the East Wing earlier this week, with the renovation being characterized as a "total renovation" of the building. The $250 million event space expansion was previously described as being "situated close to" the existing structure without changing its historic appearance. "It won't impact with the existing structure. It won't be. It'll be near but not touching - and shows complete deference to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of," was announced in a recent statement. "It's my favorite. It's my favorite place. I love it." The construction project was announced through online platforms, with announcement that "work has commenced" on the "long-awaited" ballroom space. "For more than 150 years, each chief executive has envisioned having a Event Space at the White House to host guests for significant gatherings, official functions, etc," was expressed in the announcement. The project is being financed independently by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to recent comments. The Executive Mansion has acted as the traditional residence of the US president for multiple generations. The East Wing was initially erected in 1902 and was last modified in 1942. From the south side of the structure, observers could see multiple substantial items of building machinery - some adorned with American banners - situated adjacent to the eastern section. The sheltered access point, which covers a significant portion of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be being stripped, with concrete debris and metal cables easily seen from multiple city blocks away. The renovation efforts had drawn a small number of interested observers who stopped to ask media personnel about the ongoing work. One individual, who was wearing a surgical mask and a sign with an opposing slogan on it, voiced her concern. She declined to provide her name. "I disapprove," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she motioned toward the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was positioned in the vicinity. "See the alterations to it!"