🔗 Share this article Executive Mansion Commences Demolition of East Wing for New Ballroom Construction activity has begun on part of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as planning move forward for the construction of a new executive event space. Laborers began tearing down extensive areas of a sheltered access point and window structures in the eastern section earlier this week, with the project being described as a "total renovation" of the facility. The quarter-billion dollar ballroom addition was earlier characterized as being "located near" the existing structure without altering its original design. "It won't disrupt with the present facility. It will not. It'll be near but not attached - and pays total respect to the present facility, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was announced in a earlier comment. "It's my preferred. It's my beloved spot. I love it." The construction project was revealed through social media, with confirmation that "ground has been broken" on the "highly anticipated" banquet facility. "For more than 150 years, every President has envisioned having a Grand Hall at the White House to accommodate people for significant gatherings, State Visits, and more," was stated in the announcement. The initiative is being privately funded by "multiple committed citizens" according to recent comments. The Executive Mansion has served as the iconic dwelling of the US president for two centuries. The eastern section was first built in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942. From the south side of the structure, onlookers could see numerous significant units of work vehicles - some adorned with national symbols - positioned near the East Wing. The protected entrance, which spans much of the East Wing's southern exposure, appeared to be being stripped, with demolition materials and metal cables readily apparent from multiple city blocks away. The construction activity had brought a modest gathering of fascinated spectators who paused to inquire media personnel about the present operations. One woman, who was wearing a face covering and a sign with an critical message on it, expressed her dismay. She declined to provide her name. "I don't like it," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she pointed toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was parked nearby. "Look what he's doing to it!"