Woodhouse chosen for Burnham memorial

CHICAGO, July 9 (UPI) -- Architect David Woodhouse won the competition to design a memorial to Chicago planner Daniel Burnham, officials from AIA Chicago Foundation announced Thursday.

Woodhouse, 61, said he wants people to focus on the legacy of the man who created the first comprehensive plan for an American city, which Burnham did in 1909, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

If fundraising for the $5 million project and approval from the Chicago Park District comes quickly, the memorial could be build as soon as 2011. It will include a life-size statue of Burnham and two granite walls that will reflect the skyline on one side and display Burnham's plans on the other, the Sun-Times reported.

In addition, a granite terrace overlook will hold metal panels showing other major city plans and the names of others who have contributed to the building of Chicago will be inscribed on a curved wall.