Gehry's Revised Eisenhower Memorial Design Approved

As we reported in our most recent update on the ongoing saga of the memorial design, Gehry revised the design in response to a number of comments from the National Capital Planning Commission in April 2014. By reducing the number of columns and tapestries, and widening the diagonal view corridor through the site, the NCPC approved the design 10 votes to 1 in early October, leaving only the CFA approval, which happened on October 16.

Gehry and the Eisenhower Memorial Commission will need to return to the NCPC and CFA for approval of the detailed statuary, tapestries, and quotes, once those pieces are worked out, though the Commission is hopeful the process will go smoothly.

With approvals in hand, the Commission is now hoping that Congress will lift its restriction on giving additional funds for the project. It is attempting to raise $25 million so it can start the first phase of construction on the $75 million project next year to meet an anticipated 2017 completion. This start depends partly on Congress reinstating a waiver that it suspended last year, as part of its attempts to avert a government shutdown, which would have allowed construction of the memorial to start with less than 100% of the funds for construction being raised.

Nevertheless, the Commission is optimistic, since it has the much fought approvals. A Commission spokesperson said of the CFA approval, per the Washington Business Journal, "One word, 'HUGE,' in capital letters. It's a significant milestone toward moving forward."