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WRT has been awarded a contract to work on the assessment of prominent sites in and around the National Mall in Washington, DC, in order to determine a suitable location for a potential new National Museum of the American Latino. Through a highly competitive process, the Commission on the National Museum of the American Latino selected WRT based on the firm's extensive experience in planning and designing numerous prominent public buildings and spaces. In the nation's capital, WRT's recent projects have included the US House of Representatives Facilities Plan and South Capitol Area Plan and the Georgetown Waterfront Park.

"We are deeply honored to have been selected to work on this landmark effort," said Antonio Fiol-Silva, FAIA, WRT's principal in charge of the project. "Our long-standing involvement with public places within the District of Columbia, coupled with our work with Latino civic and cultural institutions across the country, makes this a dream assignment for us."

Antonio will work alongside fellow principal Ignacio Bunster-Ossa, ASLA and project director Modesto Bigas-Valedon. The WRT team will engage the expertise of architects, city planners, urban designers, landscape architects, and other professionals in multiple allied fields to conduct a rigorous analysis of site options and building programming alternatives for the potential museum.

"The expertise and experience of our new contractors and the capable support of the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service will enable [the Commission] to complete a comprehensive report to Congress by September 2010," said Commission Chairman Henry R. Muñoz III.

The Commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC was established by Congress and convened for the first time in September 2009. The 23 members of the Commission were appointed by President Bush, President Obama, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives.