Architects oppose bill to alter Ike’s DC memorial

By BRETT ZONGKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - The American Institute of Architects is opposing an effort in Congress to eliminate funding and scrap the proposed design for a memorial honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower, saying lawmakers should not censor an architectural work.

On Wednesday, Utah Rep. Rob Bishop introduced legislation calling for a new design competition for the memorial. His office said he would seek to eliminate $100 million in future funding for the current design by architect Frank Gehry.

The American Institute of Architects, representing 83,000 members, said Friday that it will "vigorously oppose" Bishop's legislation.

The association's CEO, Robert Ivy, says Bishop's bill is "an effort to intimidate the innovative thinking for which our profession is recognized." The group says it is not passing judgment on whether the Eisenhower Memorial design is good or bad.

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Architects oppose bill to alter Ike's DC memorial