Chicago Architect Selected To Create World War I Memorial

CHICAGO (CBS) - A Chicago architect's design has been selected for a new World War I memorial in Washington, D.C.

The winning concept was submitted by Joseph Weishaar, 25, an architect-in-training from Chicago, and collaborating artist, veteran sculptor Sabin Howard, of New York.

Edwin Fountain, vice chairman of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission said: "We were thrilled by the work quality and creativity from all the participants in this competition. This selected design concept reflects a high level of professional achievement."

Weishaar received his architecture degree at the University of Arkansas in 2013.

CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports fresh faced and 25, you might think Joe Weishar was talking about his first job as an architect in a west loop firm, but you'd be wrong.

"I haven't even had a chance to wrap my mind around it yet," Weishar said.

Weishaar designed the pathways, trees and settings for the monument, and sought out a sculptor to create a bronze relief wall honoring the wars soldiers.

"More than anything else, I want to show this as a memorial about the people in the war," he said.

The new World War I Memorial will be located in Pershing Park, bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th and 15th Streets NW.

The park is located one block from the White House.

The $30 to $35 million, privately funded memorial is expected to be unveiled in November 2018, the 100th anniversary of the end of the "war to end all wars."

Each cubic foot of the memorial represents the total number of American deaths in the war--116.516 in all. The memorial will include a wall of remembrance, and a statue recognizing Gen. John J. Pershing, the general who led the American forces to victory.