🔗 Share this article White House Starts Removal of East Wing for Proposed Ballroom Renovation efforts has started on a section of the White House's eastern section as work move forward for the building of a planned presidential banquet hall. Laborers started removing significant portions of a covered entryway and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the renovation being labeled a "total renovation" of the building. The $250 million banquet hall construction was initially presented as being "located near" the present facility without changing its historic appearance. "It won't impact with the current building. It shall not. It'll be near but not touching - and pays total respect to the current structure, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was announced in a recent statement. "It's my favorite. It's my preferred location. I adore it." The construction project was disclosed through digital channels, with declaration that "ground has been broken" on the "long-awaited" banquet facility. "For longer than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Event Space at the White House to welcome visitors for significant gatherings, diplomatic receptions, among other occasions," was written in the statement. The undertaking is being privately funded by "multiple committed citizens" according to recent comments. The White House has served as the historic home of the nation's chief executive for two centuries. The eastern section was initially erected in 1902 and was previously altered in 1942. From the southern aspect of the facility, onlookers could see several large pieces of building machinery - several featuring American banners - positioned near the eastern section. The protected entrance, which extends across the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with demolition materials and steel wires easily seen from multiple city blocks away. The construction activity had drawn a limited group of interested observers who paused to inquire journalistic staff about the ongoing work. One individual, who was displaying a protective gear and a placard with an critical slogan on it, expressed her dismay. She chose to remain anonymous. "I don't like it," she said - apparently addressing no one specifically - as she pointed toward the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was positioned in the vicinity. "Look what he's doing to it!"