đŸ”— Share this article Executive Mansion Starts Removal of Eastern Section for Proposed Ballroom Construction activity has commenced on a section of the White House's East Wing as preparations progress for the building of a proposed executive ballroom. Workers commenced demolition of extensive areas of a protected entrance and glass panels in the eastern section earlier this week, with the project being labeled a "full upgrade" of the structure. The $250 million event space expansion was earlier characterized as being "positioned adjacent to" the current building without altering its historic appearance. "It won't interfere with the current building. It will not. It will be close but not attached - and shows complete deference to the present facility, which I'm the greatest admirer of," was announced in a previous announcement. "It's my favorite. It's my preferred location. I cherish it." The building initiative was revealed through social media, with declaration that "ground has been broken" on the "much-needed" event area. "For more than 150 years, every President has envisioned having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, diplomatic receptions, and more," was expressed in the statement. The undertaking is being privately funded by "many generous Patriots" according to recent comments. The White House has functioned as the historic home of the nation's chief executive for 200 years. The East Wing was first built in 1902 and was last modified in 1942. From the southern exposure of the structure, witnesses could see multiple substantial items of building machinery - several featuring national symbols - positioned near the East Wing. The sheltered access point, which covers a significant portion of the East Wing's southern facade, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with construction waste and industrial cords clearly visible from several hundred meters away. The construction activity had brought a small number of interested observers who halted to question media personnel about the current activities. One woman, who was sporting a surgical mask and a sign with an critical slogan on it, expressed her dismay. She did not identify herself. "I disapprove," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she gestured at the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was positioned in the vicinity. "Look what he's doing to it!"