🔗 Share this article White House Commences Tearing Down of East Wing for Planned Banquet Hall Renovation efforts has started on a section of the Executive Mansion's eastern section as planning progress for the construction of a new presidential banquet hall. Workers started removing extensive areas of a protected entrance and glass panels in the eastern section earlier this week, with the renovation being characterized as a "total renovation" of the structure. The $250 million event space expansion was previously described as being "positioned adjacent to" the present facility without modifying its architectural integrity. "It won't disrupt with the current building. It shall not. It will be close but not touching - and demonstrates full consideration to the current structure, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was stated in a earlier comment. "It's my preferred. It's my beloved spot. I cherish it." The construction project was revealed through digital channels, with confirmation that "work has commenced" on the "much-needed" event area. "For more than 150 years, each chief executive has dreamt about having a Event Space at the White House to accommodate people for major events, State Visits, among other occasions," was written in the statement. The project is being financed independently by "multiple committed citizens" according to official statements. The Executive Mansion has served as the traditional residence of the nation's chief executive for multiple generations. The East Wing was initially erected in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942. From the south side of the facility, onlookers could see numerous significant units of construction equipment - some adorned with US flags - situated adjacent to the eastern section. The covered entryway, which spans much of the East Wing's southern facade, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with construction waste and steel wires readily apparent from multiple city blocks away. The renovation efforts had drawn a modest gathering of curious onlookers who stopped to ask photographers and reporters about the current activities. One female, who was wearing a surgical mask and a sign with an anti-administration message on it, expressed her dismay. She chose to remain anonymous. "I don't like it," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she gestured at the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was stationed close by. "Observe the changes to it!"