Eisenhower
Square
To Honor and Celebrate Ike:
President
General
World Citizen
Dwight D. Eisenhower
National Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Volume 1
Pre-Design Program
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
MEMORIAL COMMISSION
Program format. This Pre-Design Program is composed of three parts. Volume 1 is an overview of major project requirements and goals, and it is intended for a wide
audience. Volume 2 is a more detailed technical assessment of memorialization issues. Volume 3 is an appendix of important information and guidance which must be
consulted during the design process.
Copyright © 2008 Eisenhower Memorial Commission. No part of this Pre-Design Program may be used or reproduced in whole or in part without the prior authorization of the Eisenhower
Memorial Commission.
Eisenhower
Square
To Honor and Celebrate Ike:
President
General
World Citizen
Dwight D. Eisenhower
National Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Volume 1
Pre-Design Program
Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission
Rocco C. Siciliano, Chairman
Senator Daniel K. Inouye, D/Hawaii, Vice Chairman
Senator Jack Reed, D/Rhode Island
Senator Pat Roberts, R/Kansas
Senator Ted Stevens, R/Alaska
Representative Leonard L. Boswell, D/Iowa
Representative Dennis Moore, D/Kansas
Representative Jerry Moran, R/Kansas
Representative Mac Thornberry, R/Texas
D. David Eisenhower
Alfred Geduldig
Susan Banes Harris
From an original print by Yousuf Karsh
January 2008
“He was the general who hated war, the president who promoted peace.
As a man, he left us with a legacy of love, for people, and for democracy.”
—Eisenhower biographer Stephen E. Ambrose
“We live in one of the great ages in the story of mankind.”
—Dwight D. Eisenhower
November 13, 1957
D
wight D. Eisenhower had a remarkable influence on the 20th century.
The challenge and the opportunity presented in designing the National
Eisenhower Memorial is to determine what his influence will be on
the centuries to come. Our goal is to share Eisenhower’s story and legacy with
future generations. The ideals by which he lived will inspire all who visit. We will
honor his memory by perpetuating his values and celebrating his achievements.
The Eisenhower legacy is a reminder of our own unlimited potential, and
his memorial will be a lasting tribute to the man who defended freedom,
championed peace, and unceasingly served humanity.
A New Paradigm for Memorials
The National Eisenhower Memorial at Eisenhower Square will be the first national
presidential memorial of the new century. No language currently exists for a 21st century
memorial. Eisenhower Square is an opportunity to explore new avenues in memorialization.
The competitive design selection will embrace the widest possible range of innovative
concepts and ideas. The result will be a new vision of memorialization: a new paradigm for
memorials.
Eisenhower Square will be a permanent addition to the urban landscape of Washington,
D.C. The Eisenhower Memorial must have quality and substance equal to its place in
the monumental core. It must be enduring, both in message and materials. It should
incorporate transcending themes from the Eisenhower story to reach a broad audience. This
memorial must speak not only to Eisenhower and his times, but also to our time and to the
generations that follow. It must not only reflect on the past, but also look toward the future.
Opposite: “Into the Jaws of Death.” Troops
wade toward Normandy’s Omaha Beach
from a landing barge on D-Day. Above:
Eisenhower as elder statesman in 1962.
Eisenhower held many roles in the service of his country—his two most well-known being
Supreme Allied Commander in World War II and 34th President of the United States. His
story stretches from small-town Kansas to world capitals. His memorial must recognize
his many achievements, but it must also view Eisenhower holistically. He was and is a role
model and hero.
3
4
“Humility must
always be the portion
of any man who
receives acclaim
earned in blood of
his followers and
sacrifices of his
friends.”
June 12, 1945
This photograph, one of the most
famous of Ike, shows General
Eisenhower giving the order of the
day, “full victory—nothing else,” to
American paratroopers in England
just before D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
5
Honoring Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1890–1969
The Kansas-raised son of pacifist parents, Eisenhower’s mastery of modern warfare would lead him to the very height of power and to
a belief in the absolute necessity for cooperation among nations. As the World War II Supreme Commander Allied Expeditionary Forces
Europe, he planned and implemented the liberation of France and invasion of Germany in 1944 and 1945. The defining event in his life was
command of the D-Day invasion, the largest amphibious assault in history. Yet Eisenhower hated war. To him, World War II was a desperate
fight for a just peace, a fight for the American system of government and its democratic processes. His commitment to this ideal never
compromised his understanding of the sacrifices of the everyday man, woman, soldier, and sailor. He could bring together the egos and
opinions of the giants of World War II, but he was at his best talking with, inspiring, and leading his troops.
After overseeing the occupation of Germany and demobilization of the American Army, Eisenhower served as President of Columbia
University and the first Commander of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) military forces. But Ike began to fear America’s trend
toward isolationism. He knew that Americans could not ignore the complex modern world and retain the victories of the war—victories
for democracy, freedom, equality, and self-government. His goal as 34th President of the United States (1953–1961) was to pursue the
opportunities created by victory. For America, it was one of the most peaceful and prosperous eras in its history. Eisenhower steadfastly
promoted peace in the world through mutual respect and understanding. He was determined to face the communist threat without
succumbing to the excesses of militarism and war. At home, he modernized and strengthened the Nation. He developed American
infrastructure with the interstate highway system, combated segregation, expanded opportunity in education, and worked behind-thescenes to weaken McCarthyism. It was Ike, the last President born in the 19th century, who took America into space, launching its first
satellite and creating NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) as a civilian, not a military agency.
Eisenhower was highly perceptive. He had integrity; everyone who met him knew it. People all over the world trusted him and his
judgment. He was a man of great complexity: ambitious and confident, yet modest and humble. In every chaotic, stressful situation
Eisenhower faced, he continued with calm and determination toward the ultimate goal through constant adherence to the principles of
peace with justice. He was steadfastly a soldier of democracy—an American icon and world hero.
Pre-Design Program
6
Future Site. Eisenhower Square will be located in view of the Capitol and just off the National Mall, affording an outstanding opportunity to
design a dynamic urban space in Washington, D.C.
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
7
Eisenhower Square—the Memorial Site
The National Eisenhower Memorial has a preeminent location. The site that will become
Eisenhower Square is located across the street
from the National Air and Space Museum and
boasts a dramatic view of the U.S. Capitol. The
four-acre site lies at the intersection of Maryland
and Independence Avenues, SW and spans two
blocks, from 4th Street, SW to 6th Street, SW. The
area is spare and austere. Its bleak setting provides
a remarkable opportunity for a visionary design
solution.
The Eisenhower Memorial should transform the site
into an engaging public space that appeals across
generations, from the hands-on activities of children
to the relaxation of local passersby. It should reflect
Eisenhower and his belief in the power of education
to promote understanding.
Eisenhower Square will be an urban memorial. It
must be integrated into the fabric of the city while
containing a memorial of national and international
significance. The designer will create a vibrant urban
space and a memorial that will be the benchmark for
memorialization in the 21st century.
Organizing the Eisenhower Legacy
Eisenhower’s legacy is broad and diverse. He was
a passionate internationalist from the heartland,
seeking and promoting a lasting peace. He was the
consummate public servant, always putting duty
first. He was a quintessential American, achieving
the American dream and profoundly influencing the
Pre-Design Program
20th century. He embodied his ideals—democracy,
freedom, and respect for each individual. He was an
ordinary man who achieved greatness.
His life had three principal aspects—President,
General, World Citizen. As President, he led America
through a time of fear and rapid change. He
understood the challenges of the future and gave
Americans the tools to deal with them. He combated
partisanship, seeking solutions that would be best
for America as a whole. As General, he was a master
of modern warfare. He understood the importance
of organization, logistics, strategy, and politics in war.
He believed vehemently in the democratic principles
at stake in World War II and was duty-bound to
those principles and the men fighting for them.
As a citizen of the world, he tirelessly championed
peace worldwide. He was beloved by the world as a
symbol of American commitment to democracy and
liberty. He spoke of confidence and humility in the
use of power, and constant strength in the face of
oppression.
Eisenhower’s character—his confidence, optimism,
determination, integrity, and dedication to
principle—inspired others to follow him. He rarely
disappointed. His personal motto was “gently in
manner, firmly in action.”
This multi-faceted legacy must be organized and
expressed cohesively. The Eisenhower Memorial
must tell a unified story. Eisenhower must be
portrayed holistically through a memorial experience
that inspires, interprets, informs, and educates. It
must recognize his service and encourage emulation.
8
How will the visitor
receive information?
From the visual
memorial, from on-site
and off-site electronics,
and from the National
Park Service ranger
stationed there.
Conceptualizing the Memorial
In developing concepts for the memorial, designers
should consider the following five continua. For
each set of parameters, the memorial design
should present a focused resolution. There is no
preconceived solution. The design challenge is to
conceptualize a focused, balanced, and holistic
memorial to Eisenhower.
Man—Ideals. How can the memorial present
Eisenhower the man and his ideals? Eisenhower was
a great American hero. His ideals drove him to serve
and to succeed. His achievements are important
historically and as an inspiration for the future; his
ideals are timeless and transcending. The memorial
must address both dimensions of the legacy in a
single encompassing theme.
National—International. How can the memorial
present Eisenhower as the quintessential American
and Eisenhower as a citizen of the world? The
memorial must speak to American audiences, but it
should also express Eisenhower’s internationalism.
Can the Square be both vividly American and speak
to international themes and visitors?
Past—Future. How can the memorial honor the past
and look toward the future? How much should it
focus on history? How will it address Ike’s inspiring
legacy for the future? The memorial must be
designed with concern for past and future.
Traditional—Abstract. How can the memorial
present Eisenhower’s apparent duality as a
traditionalist and a progressive visionary? Should
Eisenhower Square be a “traditional” memorial?
Should it incorporate traditional statuary? Should
it incorporate modern or abstract elements? How
should Eisenhower be physically represented, if
at all?
Contemplative—Active. How can the memorial
fill the active needs of the site and also provide
contemplative space? It should enable tranquil
reflection on Eisenhower and his legacy, while also
fostering more active use. The memorial will attract
school groups, families, local employees, older
Americans, and others who collectively require a
variety of experiences.
The Visitor Experience
How will visitors experience the Memorial? How
will it inspire them while meeting their needs
and expectations? Eisenhower Square should be
welcoming and attractive, drawing visitors to the
site. It should be unique in a city of memorials. It
must engage the public in the Eisenhower story,
inspiring the hearts and minds of those who visit and
offering an emotional and educational experience.
It should be a tourist destination, respecting tourist
sensibilities, and a space for repeat visitors to linger
and reflect. Visitors of all ages should leave the
memorial knowing and caring about Eisenhower and
his ideals—inspired by his life and optimistic about
their own.
Who will visit the Memorial? Visitors will generally
fall into four groups. Families sightseeing in the
city will initially be attracted to a new, nearby
destination. In the future, they will specifically visit
this iconic national memorial. School groups will
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
9
WHITE HOUSE
JOHN F. KENNEDY
MEMORIAL
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
MEMORIAL
LINCOLN
MEMORIAL
WWII WASHINGTON
MEMORIAL MONUMENT
U.S. HOLOCAUST
MEMORIAL MUSEUM
THE MALL
THE CAPITOL
DWIGHT D.
EISENHOWER
MEMORIAL
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
MEMORIAL
JEFFERSON
MEMORIAL
Area Thematic Context. Eisenhower Square is near many heavily visited Washington memorials and monuments; including several of the six
other Presidential memorials and the World War II Memorial. This proximity will ensure a high amount of foot traffic from these attractions to
the Eisenhower Square site.
Pre-Design Program
10
visit for the educational experience. Veterans and
Eisenhower enthusiasts may visit as part of a World
War II or military tour. International visitors will come
to learn more about a worldwide hero and a great
American. In addition, it is likely that the square will
be enjoyed by the area workforce on a regular basis.
Neighboring Visitors. Eisenhower Square lies at a
major crossroads for tourists. The National Air and
Space Museum, one of the most visited attractions
in the capital, is located across the street, as is
the National Museum of the American Indian.
Eisenhower Square will be a natural additional
destination for visitors to these museums and other
area events and institutions. An iconic memorial at
this site is likely to become a tourist mainstay. The
memorial should be welcoming to all passersby,
including local office workers, many of whom are
public servants in the tradition of Eisenhower. They
should be attracted by outstanding site aesthetics,
dramatic vistas of the U.S. Capitol Building, a
compelling memorial experience, and amenities
such as shade and seating.
School Groups. Thousands of school children from
across the Nation now visit the Mall and nearby
attractions. They visit for a specific educational
experience in addition to sightseeing. School
groups are the primary target audience for the
educational component of the memorial. They
should leave the site with a greater appreciation
and understanding of Eisenhower and his legacy.
The memorial should provide a primary level of
easily understood information and inspiration.
The National Park Service ranger at the site will
support the educational mission and provide some
interpretation. Technology also may enhance the
educational experience. For example, visitors could
connect with the memorial and legacy organization
websites both before and after their visit. Potential
also exists for on-site wireless technology that could
enable individual media devices to disseminate
information.
Destination Visitors. Certain groups may visit
the memorial as a destination relating to their
appreciation of Eisenhower. Veterans can visit as part
of a “World War II remembrance” experience. Most of
these visitors will be familiar with Eisenhower’s role
in World War II, and the memorial should provide a
contemplative, emotionally engaging experience for
them. Others will visit the memorial because of its
unique design. Over time the National Eisenhower
Memorial should become a primary destination in
its own right. Forging an emotional connection with
each audience should be a key aspect of the design.
International Visitors. The memorial should
welcome international visitors. Eisenhower had an
enduring commitment to international cooperation
and peaceful resolution of conflict. International
visitors should learn about and reflect on
Eisenhower’s internationalism and be inspired by his
legacy. Eisenhower resonated with people from all
over the world as a man of character and a symbol of
American promise. His memorial must address both
his national and international appeal.
Eisenhower’s story contains elements that relate to
all of these visitor groups. It will be the designer’s
task to speak meaningfully to each of them through
the memorial design.
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
11
“Every gun
that is made,
every warship
launched, every
rocket fired
signifies, in the
final sense, a
theft from those
who hunger and
are not fed, those
who are cold and
are not clothed.”
April 16, 1953
Eisenhower was an incredibly
popular president through
both of his terms. Here he
is on the campaign trail in
Baltimore, Maryland in 1952.
Supporters carry signs with
the memorable slogan,
“I Like Ike.”
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12
What are the design
imperatives? These
include consideration
for cohesive vision,
contextual compatibility,
viewshed and scale,
safety and security, and
historic preservation.
The memorial design
must be inspirational,
functional, accessible,
maintainable, and
sustainable.
Design Imperatives
The memorial design must meet five objectives:
Inspirational. The memorial should be personally
inspiring and emotionally engaging. It must tell the
Eisenhower story and deal with transcending concepts in a unified way. It must speak in a distinctive
voice. The themes and messages must be clear and
straightforward.
Functional. This square must be a useful space,
reflecting Eisenhower’s pragmatism. The designers
must consider the many potential activities at
Eisenhower Square. Both a memorial and an urban
square are to be designed simultaneously.
Accessible. Eisenhower possessed an ordinariness
that endeared him to people around the world.
His memorial must express this quality through
physical, intellectual, and emotional access for all.
The design must include full accessibility for persons
with disabilities, its goal being universal access. The
memorial will be available to the public at all times;
therefore, access at every hour of the day and night
and on every day of the year must be considered.
It must be possible to visit and enjoy the memorial
regardless of weather, season, or hour.
Maintainable. Eisenhower Square must be designed
to endure for centuries. The designer must consider
the future maintenance requirements of each design
element. The National Park Service (NPS) will operate
and maintain the memorial. NPS should be consulted
on maintenance needs.
Sustainable. The memorial must incorporate
sustainable design concepts. Selection of
systems and materials should consider long-term
environmental impacts. LEED (Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design) building standards
will be reviewed again prior to design, as will draft
landscaping guidelines. Guidance will be based on
the most current industry standards as well as those
adopted by the National Park Service.
The design should also adhere to the following:
Welcoming. The Eisenhower memorial should
attract visitors from surrounding areas. It should be
aesthetically distinctive and welcoming, drawing
visitors into the site from several points of entry.
Eisenhower was consistently optimistic, and his
memorial should reflect his uplifting spirit, easy
manner, and confidence.
Cohesive. The Eisenhower story is diverse, multifaceted, and often complex. Designing the memorial
will require a defined, unified vision that depicts the
richness of the Eisenhower legacy and also distills its
essence.
Contextual Compatibility. The memorial enjoys a
prominent location in the heart of Washington, steps
from the National Mall, in clear view of the Capitol,
and within the scope of Pierre L’Enfant’s historic city
plan. The designer will have the rare opportunity to
make a permanent contribution to the monumental
core of one of the world’s great capital cities. The
Eisenhower Square site should be designed as an
independent square, but must provide careful regard
for its context in the larger city plan. The National
Mall, U.S. Capitol, and adjacent uses must be taken
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
13
into consideration. Materials, scale, and colors used
in the memorial may be site-specific, but must also
be compatible with the site’s broader context.
Viewshed (Sightline) and Scale. The dramatic
Capitol view from the Eisenhower Square site
presents a tremendous design opportunity. The
memorial design, however, must respect reciprocal
views to and from the Capitol along Maryland
Avenue. The design must be appropriately scaled
relative to its setting and neighbors, and design
elements within the four-acre site must be
appropriately scaled relative to each other.
“The middle way
may lack drama
and sensation. But
it has sense and
strength.”
May 9, 1953
Historic Preservation. Eisenhower Square should
be a distinct civic space, enhancing the Maryland
Avenue vista and reflecting L’Enfant Plan principles.
Maryland Avenue, in the tradition of other L’Enfant
avenues, will be punctuated by a sequence of public
spaces that contribute to and sustain its integrity
as a historic boulevard. Natural lighting conditions
and views to and from the site should be studied,
including day, dusk, and night. Notably, illumination
of the memorial may not compete with the Capitol;
the memorial must be less bright than the Capitol
Building.
Safety and Security. Like other presidential
memorials, Eisenhower Square will be open twentyfour hours a day. At night it will be monitored
by security cameras and periodic patrols by the
National Park Service. Personal safety and security
must be considered in the site design. Security for
the memorial is not as stringent as for the adjacent
Lyndon B. Johnson Department of Education
Building.
Pre-Design Program
Eisenhower was optimistic,
confident, and charismatic.
Here, as President in 1960, a
photographer captures his
famous smile.
14
“I come from the very heart of America.”
June 12, 1945
A native of the American heartland, Eisenhower is shown here in 1926 at the
only full family reunion in Abilene, Kansas. Left to right: Roy, Arthur, Earl, Edgar,
David (father), Milton, Ida (mother). Ike is on the front step.
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
15
Design Elements
Designers should consider the following required and
optional design elements:
Foundation Elements. These elements must be
included in the design. All other design elements will
build on this foundation.
• Plaza—will include hardstand for gathering
activities.
• Landscape—will provide many of the primary
design features of the memorial.
Specialized Elements. These elements are optional,
but one or more may form some of the most
welcoming, important, and recognizable parts of the
memorial.
• Shelter—will provide covered space where visitors
may experience part of the memorial in all seasons
and be protected from precipitation and extreme
heat. The shelter should be sculptural in character
and integrally related to the commemoration of
Eisenhower.
• Art—if used must be of the highest quality in
design and execution.
• Water—if used must be an integral part of the
design concept and should be attractive in all
seasons, including when turned off in winter.
• Interpretive Elements—will enhance the
memorial’s educational experience and may
include electronic support and teaching space,
among other methods of informing, educating,
and inspiring students and other visitors.
Pre-Design Program
Supporting Elements. These elements must
be included in the design, but are not major
recognizable elements of the memorial.
• Support Building—will house the National Park
Service ranger station, restrooms, and a bookstore;
this building is not to exceed 2,500 sf in size.
• Lighting—will support the design and enhance
the memorial experience day and night; lighting
must not compete in brightness with the Capitol.
• Seating—will afford opportunities for rest,
contemplation, or teaching.
Two other elements that the designer may consider
using are words and images. The judicious use of
appropriate Eisenhower quotations to support the
memorial design is encouraged. Iconic images of
Eisenhower should also be considered.
Conditions and Constraints
The site, roughly four acres in size, must be designed
with consideration for its conditions and constraints,
some of which have undergone preliminary investigation. The selected design team will confirm and
build on that knowledge.
Existing Conditions and Infrastructure. The site is
located within the monumental core and in close
proximity to the U.S. Capitol, National Mall, and
other Washington, D.C., institutions. Designers
must understand area infrastructure, including
the transportation network that supports the site.
Utilities, existing landscape, and topography must
be considered, as well as the site’s relationship to
the historic L’Enfant Plan and connection to the
surrounding urban area through various viewsheds.
What are the design
elements? There are
three types of design
elements—foundation,
specialized, and
supporting.
16
Site Thematic Context.
The memorial site is
surrounded by the
Department of Education,
the Department of
Health & Human Services,
the Federal Aviation
Administration and the
National Air and Space
Museum—all trace their
origins to initiatives by
President Eisenhower.
Site Geometry. The site’s geometry is strongly
affected by sightlines to and from the U.S. Capitol
along the Maryland Avenue view corridor that
bisects the site. Setbacks include a southern 50-foot
security setback from the Lyndon B. Johnson
Department of Education Building and northern,
eastern, and western setbacks to align with adjacent
buildings. The site edges of trees, sidewalks, street
furniture, lighting, signage, etc. comprise a street
framework in the public realm which extends
beyond the immediate site to the adjacent blocks
and to the overall city.
Closure of Maryland Avenue. Previous
documentation and agency comments on closing
Maryland Avenue to vehicular traffic through the
memorial site have been reviewed. Traffic studies
with computer modeling show no functional
reasons why closure should not take place. Road
closure improves the level of service for the overall
traffic pattern in the area. The District of Columbia
Department of Transportation (DDOT) accepted the
final traffic study and gave its conceptual approval
to closing the street. The staff of the National Capital
Planning Commission gave its conceptual agreement
to closure, as did the Deputy State Historic
Preservation Officer for the District of Columbia
(Deputy DCSHPO) during the site approval phase.
A particularly compelling argument in favor of
road closure was made by the Deputy DCSHPO.
He argued that establishment of the square is in
keeping with the spirit of the L’Enfant Plan and is the
more reasonable resolution of the intersection of
Maryland Avenue (from the 1792 L’Enfant Plan) with
the extension of Independence Avenue (from the
1902 McMillan Plan). This resolution is similar to that
of Connecticut Avenue as it meets Farragut Square
and Vermont Avenue as it approaches McPherson
Square. These examples demonstrate precedents
for the urban form resulting from road closure as
consistent with the L’Enfant Plan.
However, there are groups that believe Maryland
Avenue should be open to vehicular traffic.
One group also wants it realigned relative to
Independence Avenue to mirror the intersection of
Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues.
Upon full evaluation, it is believed that the development of a new square in the L’Enfant style is of
greater value to the city’s urban form. Skidmore,
Owings & Merrill LLP therefore recommends the
closure of Maryland Avenue to vehicular traffic
through the approved memorial site as necessary
for development of the memorial to its maximum
potential.
National Park Service Identification. The memorial
will be administered and maintained by the
National Park Service (NPS) upon its completion.
Signage must identify the memorial as part of the
NPS National Mall and Memorial Parks system and
display the NPS arrowhead shield. Other features,
such as the support building, site furniture, and trash
receptacles should consider, but are not required
to conform to, standard NPS design. They may be
designed in coordination with the Eisenhower
Memorial’s unique appearance.
Additional Issues. Additional considerations include
regulatory constraints, land jurisdictions, easements,
height limitations, restrictions relating to lighting
levels, and historic preservation concerns.
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
17
“We must make
our aim the
building of peace
in justice and
freedom.”
May 31, 1954
Eisenhower was one of America’s
oldest presidents; his successor,
John F. Kennedy, was one of
the youngest. In this photo,
President Eisenhower welcomes
President-elect Kennedy to the
White House in December 1960.
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“The true purpose
of education is to
prepare young
men and women
for effective
citizenship in
a free form of
government.”
May 15, 1953
This photograph shows Ike
as President of Columbia
University, a post he held
from 1948 until 1953. He
took leave from Columbia
in 1951 to serve as the
first Commander of NATO
military forces.
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
19
Links to Ike’s Living Memorial
Legacy Organizations. Dwight David Eisenhower’s
“living memorial” is in part represented in six existing
organizations working in support of the Eisenhower
legacy. Each of these legacy organizations is nationally recognized and perpetuates Eisenhower’s
legacy and values in a unique, enduring manner.
The Eisenhower Memorial at Eisenhower Square will
not replicate or replace the activities or purposes
of these organizations. Cooperation between the
legacy organizations and the memorial will continue
to develop.
Electronic Links. The physical memorial that
comprises Eisenhower Square will include one or
more links to the “living memorial” organizations
through electronic components. Such links will
enable site visitors to explore further any part of the
Eisenhower legacy that captures their imaginations.
The “living memorial” link will enhance the content
and context of the memorial experience. The National
Park Service will manage the electronic components
of the memorial.
The Lyndon Baines Johnson
Department of Education Building
Particular attention will be paid to the designer’s
concept for addressing the adjacency of the memorial site to the Lyndon B. Johnson Department of
Education Building, headquarters of a cabinet-level
department, and how the square will function in
relation to this building. Eisenhower Square should
not be conceived as a forecourt to the LBJ Building,
but as a separate and distinct entity with a defined
southern edge.
Pre-Design Program
The Eisenhower Memorial will have no physical
connection to the Education Building. A 50-foot
wide Transition Zone will separate the two. Such a
Transition Zone would “read” as a southern edge to
Eisenhower Square and provide a clear separation
from the Education Building, while providing the
security setback required for the Department of
Education. A sunken garden, now closed, occupies
the southeast corner of the site. The Transition Zone
will define the southern boundary of the square and
be a band of demarcation between the memorial
and its neighbor. The Zone will significantly
contribute to the integration of the site into the
Washington, D.C., city grid. Its nature should be that
of a paved, active public space that is more plaza
than road.
The Department of Education is embarking on
its own programming study to address several
key issues. These include access to the Education
Building, the role of the Transition Zone, and the
future of the sunken garden. The Department of
Education programming team will also explore
potential educational and outdoor exhibit
opportunities. The Department’s program will be
integrated into the memorial program and given to
the designer as part of the overall program for the
site. The designer’s task will include a solution for
both Eisenhower Square and the Transition Zone.
Eisenhower Legacy
Organizations
• American Assembly
• Dwight D. Eisenhower
Presidential Library and
Museum
• Eisenhower Fellowships
• Eisenhower Foundation
• Eisenhower Institute
• People to People
International
20
Cost and Schedule
similar in size and scope to the proposed Eisenhower
Memorial.
It is expected that the alternative design concepts
for the memorial will represent the creative ideas
of a diverse group of architects, landscape architects, urban designers, and others. The physical
design responses to program requirements will
vary. As a result, it is expected that the design and
construction costs of the National Eisenhower
Memorial at Eisenhower Square will be in the
range of $90 million to $110 million based on the
design process beginning in 2008. This total project cost is fully consistent with recently completed
or planned memorials located in the monumental
core of the Nation’s capital, such as the World War
II and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials, which are
The schedule will be affected by a number of factors. The design and construction procurements will
be fully competitive processes administered through
the U.S. General Services Administration. There will
be an extensive design review process by a number
of federal and local agencies, and other interest
groups. The project has little enclosed space; hence
construction during severe weather will be limited.
The anticipated timeframe from project authorization to dedication of the memorial is five years.
Procurement, design, and approvals are expected to
take two and a half years, as is construction.
Schedule for Design and Construction
Year 0
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Design
Procurement
Design
*
Construction
Procurement
Design Team
Announcement
*
Concept Approval
Construction
*Groundbreaking Ceremony
*
Dedication
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
21
“Let’s ask what’s
best for America.”
A favorite phrase of Eisenhower’s
throughout his presidency.
In this photo from 1956, Ike
and Mamie enjoy a day at
their farm in Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania where they
eventually retired. It was
the first and only home the
Eisenhowers ever owned.
Pre-Design Program
22
National Air and Space Museum
Summary:
Existing Memorial Site.
National Air and Space Museum
National
Museum
of the
American
Indian
INDEPENDENCE AVENUE SW
District of Columbia
Wilbur J. Cohen Building
Department of Health & Human Services
National Park
Service
Federal Aviation
Administration
U.S. General Services
Administration
SW
Working
Entrance
4TH STREET SW
Lyndon B. Johnson
Department of Education Building
Working
Entrance
6TH STREET SW
M
Formal
Entrance
AVE
Formal
Entrance
ND
LA
ARY
C STREET SW
Three land parcels comprise the existing site. Two of these, the roadway (approximately 2 acres) and the southern plaza (1.5 acres) are mostly
hard surface, and few trees or other plantings exist. The design should ameliorate this condition and provide urban focus to the surrounding
buildings. The adjacent Wilbur J. Cohen Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, the Department of Education’s formal
entrances must be acknowledged in the design.
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
23
National
Museum
of the
American
Indian
National Air and Space Museum
INDEPENDENCE AVENUE SW
LIMITS OF DESIGN: 4 acres
Prime Developable Area: 2.4 Acres
160
’
Electrical
Vault
130’
50’
M
Air
Intake
Urban Design &
Security Setback
71’
91’
SW
Ramp
AVE
40’
ND
LA
ARY
Extent of
DOEd
basement
(including
underhang)
Ramp
sunken garden
Lyndon B. Johnson
Department of Education Building
MEMORIAL SITE
4TH STREET SW
6TH STREET SW
622’
Wilbur J. Cohen Building
Department of Health & Human Services
50’
Federal Aviation
Administration
ay
fW
ht o
a
r
Rig d Are
rido
e
u
e
t
n
Cor
Ave Regula
iew Area
d
V
n
/
ed
yla
ay
ent
ulat
Mar elopm
artw
c C nt Reg
Dev
tori
e
His elopm
Dev
286’
Urban Design Setback
Summary:
Major Constraints.
The limits of design are
the full four acres of the
site. The various setbacks
(security, urban design,
and building lines) result
in a prime developable
area of approximately 2.4
acres.
TRANSITION ZONE
0‘
25’
50’
100’
C STREET SW
The Maryland Avenue Right of Way, Historic Cartway and View to the Capitol must be respected. Security and urban design setbacks must
be incorporated into the design. Security requirements for the Education Building are more stringent than those of the memorial. Between
the building and the memorial, a Transition Zone, currently conceived of as a “pedestrian mall,” will provide a distinct southern boundary to
Eisenhower Square. The sunken garden in the southeast corner and two known utility points must also be addressed.
Pre-Design Program
24
“Every human
being is capable
of greatness.”
February 25, 1960
D
esigning the National Eisenhower
Memorial at Eisenhower Square is an
exceptional opportunity. It is above
all an opportunity to share the full legacy
of Dwight D. Eisenhower on a national and
international scale in perpetuity. It is a design
opportunity—to create a new paradigm
for 21st century memorials and to design a
major urban square in a world capital. It is an
opportunity to have a permanent impact on
the fabric of the capital city and bring new
vitality to the local area. The design must
address the issues presented here, including
goals, constraints, and content. Bringing a
cohesive vision to these guidelines is the task
for the designer. The memorial should uplift
and inform with its aesthetics and its content.
It is a singular opportunity to influence
generations of visitors about Eisenhower
and to demonstrate how his extraordinary
leadership and his belief in democratic values
endure.
General Eisenhower in Normandy, August, 1944.
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
25
“Freedom of the arts is a basic freedom, one of the pillars of liberty in our land.
For our Republic to stay free, those among us with the rare gift of artistry must be able
freely to use their talent. Likewise, our people must have unimpaired opportunity to see, to
understand, to profit from our artists’ work. As long as artists are at liberty to feel with high
personal intensity, as long as our artists are free to create with sincerity and conviction,
there will be healthy controversy and progress in art. Only thus can there be opportunity for
a genius to conceive and to produce a masterpiece for all mankind.”
-- Eisenhower at the 25th Anniversary of the Museum of Modern Art, October 1954
Photo credits
Cover Photos (In order left to right and top to bottom.) 1. Before D-Day. Credit: U.S. Army. (and page 4) 2. Eisenhower close up. Credit: U.S. Army. 3. Campaign car. Credit: Dwight D. Eisenhower (DDE) Presidential Library.
(and page 11) 4. West Point. Credit: DDE Presidential Library. 5. Reunion. Credit: DDE Presidential Library. (and page 14) 6. With Churchill. Credit: DDE Presidential Library. 7. With Roosevelt. Credit: U.S. Army. 8. With Mrs.
Eisenhower. Credit: DDE Presidential Library. 9. Normandy. Credit: DDE Presidential Library. (and page 24) Interior Photos (Not also on cover.) Page 1: With globe. Credit: From an original print by Yousuf Karsh. Page 2: D-Day
invasion. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard. Page 3: Portrait. Credit: DDE Presidential Library. Page 13: Portrait. Credit: DDE Presidential Library. Page 17: With Kennedy. Credit: National Park Service. Page 20: At Columbia University.
Credit:
DDE Presidential
Library. Page 21: Gettysburg. Credit: DDE Presidential Library.
Pre-Design
Program
Eisenhower Square—To Honor and Celebrate Ike: President, General, World Citizen
was prepared by the Washington, D.C., office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission with the assistance of Gallagher & Associates.
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
MEMORIAL COMMISSION
Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, 1629 K Street, NW, #801, Washington, D.C. 20006
Telephone (202) 296-0004 www. eisenhowermemorial.org