🔗 Share this article White House Starts Tearing Down of Eastern Section for Planned Event Space Demolition work has begun on a section of the White House's eastern section as preparations move forward for the building of a proposed executive event space. Workers started removing extensive areas of a sheltered access point and window structures in the East Wing earlier this week, with the project being labeled a "complete modernization" of the structure. The $250 million banquet hall construction was previously described as being "positioned adjacent to" the current building without altering its architectural integrity. "It won't impact with the existing structure. It shall not. It will be close but not attached - and demonstrates full consideration to the current structure, which I'm the biggest fan of," was announced in a previous announcement. "It's my preferred. It's my favorite place. I cherish it." The renovation work was revealed through online platforms, with announcement that "work has commenced" on the "long-awaited" event area. "For more than 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has dreamt about having a Grand Hall at the White House to accommodate people for major events, official functions, etc," was expressed in the announcement. The undertaking is being privately funded by "multiple committed citizens" according to recent comments. The Executive Mansion has acted as the traditional residence of the US president for multiple generations. The eastern section was originally constructed in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942. From the southern exposure of the building, observers could see several large pieces of building machinery - multiple displaying American banners - situated adjacent to the East Wing. The sheltered access point, which extends across the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be being stripped, with construction waste and steel wires readily apparent from multiple city blocks away. The demolition work had attracted a small number of curious onlookers who halted to question journalistic staff about the present operations. One female, who was displaying a face covering and a placard with an opposing slogan on it, expressed her dismay. She chose to remain anonymous. "I'm opposed," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she motioned toward the White House from behind a yellow van that was parked nearby. "See the alterations to it!"