WASHINGTON, DC.- The transformation of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will continue with a major project to renew the building’s 120,000-square-foot west exhibition wing. (The museum’s center core and east wing will remain open.) The plans feature new galleries, an education center, interior public plazas and performance spaces as well as modernizing the infrastructure in this section of the building, including wireless environments. A new panoramic window on the first floor will give a sweeping view of the Washington Monument and connect visitors to the National Mall’s landmarks. Exhibition closings began in October with the Lemelson Center’s Spark!Lab and will continue through early 2012. The museum expects to receive construction proposals by late spring 2012. Architecture firm EwingCole is responsible for the overall planning and design. The west exhibition wing will b