WebApi in separate project

I have a app written in MVC which makes calls to db using ado.net. There is no service layer setup right now.

I want to setup a service layer for this. I want to integrate webapi in my existing application. I would want to create a separate project/class library and access that through my mvc app.

I have worked with WCF and made calls but never worked with Web api. How can I create a separate project for webapi and make my mvc calls to that.

Inputs are appreciated.