The public-private development endeavor will be located on a 135-acre lot near the front gate of the Quantico, VA Marine Corps Base. "It's hard to pin down the exact cost of the project because it's being developed in phases," the Heritage Foundation's Susan Hodges tells GlobeSt.com. "Phase one will cost abut $35 million and will consist of the national museum and the parking lot--only two-thirds of the whole project."

The state-of-the-art museum will feature a 210-ft atrium inspired by the flag raising at Iwo Jima, several galleries within a 160-ft atrium, a restaurant, auditorium, classrooms and office space. Fentress Bradburn Architects LTD is behind the complex design and Jacobs Facilities Inc. is handling construction. Upon its completion, the entire development will be comprised of a handful of multi-use structures, as well as outdoor facilities including hiking trails and a vast demonstration space.