World War I tribute designed by UA grad over another hurdle

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission aims to break ground on a new national memorial on Nov. 11, the 99th anniversary of the armistice that halted the fighting. In this case, the site is prominent -- on Pennsylvania Avenue, a block from the White House. Initial plans called for much of the park to be razed. But Friedberg's defenders fought to preserve the existing space, arguing that it was culturally significant.

Charles Birnbaum, president and CEO of The Cultural Landscape Foundation, said it's important not to "radically alter" the Friedberg design. His organization has urged the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission to prevent the destruction of Friedberg's park, arguing that it is one of his masterpieces.