🔗 Share this article White House Starts Demolition of Eastern Section for Planned Event Space Renovation efforts has begun on a portion of the Executive Mansion's East Wing as planning advance for the construction of a planned presidential event space. Construction crews started removing large sections of a protected entrance and window structures in the eastern section earlier this week, with the construction being characterized as a "full upgrade" of the building. The quarter-billion dollar banquet hall construction was initially presented as being "positioned adjacent to" the current building without modifying its historic appearance. "It won't interfere with the existing structure. It won't be. It will be close but not attached - and demonstrates full consideration to the present facility, which I'm the strongest supporter of," was stated in a earlier comment. "It's my favorite. It's my favorite place. I adore it." The building initiative was announced through online platforms, with confirmation that "construction has begun" on the "long-awaited" event area. "For more than 150 years, all commanders-in-chief has imagined having a Grand Hall at the White House to accommodate people for major events, official functions, etc," was written in the announcement. The project is being supported through private means by "numerous dedicated supporters" according to public announcements. The Executive Mansion has functioned as the iconic dwelling of the American leader for multiple generations. The eastern section was originally constructed in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942. From the southern exposure of the structure, observers could see several large pieces of construction equipment - several featuring American banners - located close to the eastern section. The sheltered access point, which spans much of the eastern section's southern exposure, appeared to be experiencing extensive removal, with construction waste and metal cables readily apparent from a considerable distance away. The renovation efforts had brought a limited group of interested observers who paused to inquire media personnel about the present operations. One female, who was sporting a surgical mask and a poster with an critical statement on it, shared her disapproval. She declined to provide her name. "I'm opposed," 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!"