The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, designed by Frank Gehry, finally broke ground on Thursday. Sited just off Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, the four-acre memorial will celebrate Eisenhower with a series 25-meter-tall columns featuring woven metal tapestries depicting scenes of his time in the forces, his upbringing in Kansas, and events like the signing of the first Civil Rights Act since Reconstruction.

In the works since 1999, the road to the Dwight D. Eisenhower memorial has been full of controversy, with Gehry's design meeting multiple rounds of criticism from members of the public, government officials, and most notably, Eisenhower's relatives. Original plans called for a focus on the 34th President's humble beginnings, bothering those who felt he should be remembered for his leadership later in life. In addition, many felt the initial metal mesh tapestries invoked the Iron Curtain and were too extravagant and controversial.

Last year, the Eisenhower family finally removed its objections to the project allowing the design to go froward. Despite the nearly 20 year process, Eisenhower will now be joining the elite club of President's with prominent memorials in the nation's capital on May 8th, 2020—the project's dedication date, planned to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the second world war's end.