Proposed World War I Memorial Designed by 25-Year-Old Novice Architect

A design called "The Weight of Sacrifice" featuring a commemorative wall and open space for 28 trees has been chosen for the new World War I Memorial to be constructed about a block from the White House.

Following years of debate over site location and funding, the design concept by 25-year-old architect-in-training Joseph Weishaar of Chicago and collaborating sculptor Sabin Howard of New York City on Monday was picked as the winner of the international design competition over four other finalists by the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission.

The design is still a work in progress. Quotations have yet to be chosen to be included in the frieze and bas relief on the commemorative wall depicting battle scenes. The estimated cost for the project is $30 to $35 million, which will come entirely from private donations.