New Design Of Eisenhower Memorial Gets Unanimous Approval

The Eisenhower Memorial Commission has unanimously approved architect Frank Gehry’s design for a monument honoring the 34th president near the National Mall in Washington.

The commission’s vote Wednesday allows the $142 million project to move forward after a year of objections to the design. Designers must next seek approvals from two panels that oversee public art and architecture in the nation’s capital.

Gehry presented changes he made to the design after listening to objections from the Eisenhower family. He added additional images of Ike as president and World War II hero.

Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, a member of the memorial commission, says he is sorry they could not resolve differences with Eisenhower’s family. But he says the project must move forward after more than 12 years of work.