🔗 Share this article White House Begins Demolition of East Wing for Planned Ballroom Construction activity has started on a portion of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as planning advance for the construction of a proposed presidential event space. Workers commenced demolition of significant portions of a sheltered access point and windows in the eastern section earlier this week, with the project being labeled a "complete modernization" of the facility. The $250 million ballroom addition was earlier characterized as being "positioned adjacent to" the present facility without altering its original design. "It won't disrupt with the existing structure. It will not. It will be adjacent but not touching - and pays total respect to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of," was stated in a recent statement. "It's my favorite. It's my preferred location. I love it." The renovation work was disclosed through social media, with announcement that "ground has been broken" on the "highly anticipated" ballroom space. "For longer than 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has imagined having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for significant gatherings, State Visits, etc," was written in the announcement. The initiative is being financed independently by "many generous Patriots" according to official statements. The Executive Mansion has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the nation's chief executive for two centuries. The East Wing was originally constructed in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942. From the southern exposure of the structure, onlookers could see numerous significant units of building machinery - multiple displaying US flags - located close to the East Wing. The sheltered access point, which spans much of the East Wing's south side, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with concrete debris and steel wires readily apparent from multiple city blocks away. The renovation efforts had brought a modest gathering of curious onlookers who halted to question media personnel about the present operations. One female, who was displaying a surgical mask and a placard with an critical statement on it, voiced her concern. She chose to remain anonymous. "I'm opposed," she said - apparently addressing no one specifically - as she pointed toward the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was parked nearby. "Look what he's doing to it!"