🔗 Share this article White House Begins Tearing Down of East Wing for Planned Banquet Hall Demolition work has begun on a portion of the White House's East Wing as preparations progress for the construction of a planned executive banquet hall. Workers started removing extensive areas of a protected entrance and windows in the eastern section earlier this week, with the construction being described as a "complete modernization" of the structure. The quarter-billion dollar ballroom addition was initially presented as being "located near" the current building without altering its architectural integrity. "It won't impact with the existing structure. It shall not. It will be adjacent but not touching - and shows complete deference to the present facility, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was declared in a previous announcement. "It's my favorite. It's my beloved spot. I adore it." The renovation work was announced through online platforms, with declaration that "construction has begun" on the "highly anticipated" ballroom space. "For longer than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to welcome visitors for major events, official functions, and more," was expressed in the declaration. The project is being financed independently by "many generous Patriots" according to public announcements. The White House has functioned as the traditional residence of the American leader for two centuries. The East Wing was originally constructed in 1902 and was last modified in 1942. From the southern exposure of the facility, observers could see several large pieces of construction equipment - multiple displaying American banners - located close to the East Wing. The protected entrance, which extends across the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and steel wires easily seen from a considerable distance away. The renovation efforts had attracted a small number of fascinated spectators who stopped to ask journalistic staff about the present operations. One woman, who was displaying a surgical mask and a poster with an opposing statement on it, expressed her dismay. She chose to remain anonymous. "I'm opposed," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she pointed toward the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was stationed close by. "Observe the changes to it!"