The process of dismantling the East Wing of the White House is underway as President Donald Trump embarks on a significant renovation. This project involves the addition of a grand ballroom, costing approximately $US200 million (around $307 million), and covering an area of 8,360 square meters.

Onlookers from CNN witnessed heavy machinery tearing into sections of the East Wing. Close-up footage revealed the roof being dismantled and interior spaces being demolished by an excavator.

Previously released artistic renderings from the White House illustrated that this new ballroom would be constructed in the area currently occupied by the East Wing. According to the administration, the project is set to be financed by Trump along with contributions from private donors.

Earlier in the year, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the “state ballroom” would take over the space currently used for the offices of the First Ladies, located in the East Wing of the executive residence.

This undertaking fulfills a longstanding vision of the president, who has aspired for 15 years to enhance the White House’s capacity for hosting events. The ballroom is envisioned to mirror the opulent ambiance found in his private club venues.

The ballroom is just one part of Trump’s efforts to transform the buildings and grounds to his liking, which have included adding large flagpoles, paving over the Rose Garden, and decorating the Oval Office in gold.

“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” Trump posted on social media on Monday.

“Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being fully modernized as part of this process, and will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete!”

Renderings provided by the White House depict a vast space with gold and crystal chandeliers, gilded Corinthian columns, a coffered ceiling with gold inlays, gold floor lamps and a checkered marble floor. Three walls of arched windows look out over the White House’s south grounds.

The new ballroom — which will maintain the “theme and architectural heritage” of the neoclassical executive mansion, the White House said — will have a seated capacity of 650 people, more than three times the space in the East Room, the largest event space in the White House.