🔗 Share this article Executive Mansion Starts Tearing Down of East Wing for New Ballroom Renovation efforts has started on part of the White House's eastern section as preparations move forward for the construction of a planned executive event space. Laborers started removing significant portions of a covered entryway and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the construction being characterized as a "total renovation" of the structure. The substantial investment ballroom addition was initially presented as being "positioned adjacent to" the existing structure without changing its original design. "It won't disrupt with the current building. It shall not. It will be adjacent but not connected - and pays total respect to the present facility, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was declared in a earlier comment. "It's my cherished. It's my favorite place. I cherish it." The renovation work was announced through social media, with confirmation that "work has commenced" on the "much-needed" ballroom space. "For more than 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has envisioned having a Ballroom at the White House to host guests for major events, State Visits, etc," was written in the statement. The initiative is being supported through private means by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to recent comments. The White House has served as the traditional residence of the American leader for multiple generations. The East Wing was first built in 1902 and was last modified in 1942. From the south side of the building, onlookers could see several large pieces of work vehicles - multiple displaying US flags - positioned near the eastern section. The protected entrance, which covers a significant portion of the eastern section's south side, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with demolition materials and steel wires easily seen from multiple city blocks away. The demolition work had brought a modest gathering of fascinated spectators who halted to question journalistic staff about the present operations. One woman, who was displaying a protective gear and a poster with an critical statement on it, expressed her dismay. She chose to remain anonymous. "I disapprove," she said - ostensibly talking to the air - as she gestured at the White House from near a yellow vehicle that was stationed close by. "Look what he's doing to it!"