Phase one construction began one year ago and is centred on the museum building and its dramatic roof structure of sweeping curves and complex geometry. The roof, designed to echo the rolling topography of the Badlands, required precisely engineered connections and joints, supported by steel wrapped in wood to maintain a seamless timber look. Phase two of construction is scheduled to begin on June 1, with Mercer Mass Timber contributing canopies designed to support photovoltaic panels – enhancing the site’s sustainability and expanding mass timber use in outdoor architectural features.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is the largest use of mass timber in North Dakota to date. MMT is supplying ~1,800m³ of CLT and glulam for the 93,000ft2 structure, including custom glulam connections supporting the museum’s curved roof.
The mass timber provides a total carbon benefit of 3031 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the energy to operate 320 homes for a year. The project is pursuing both LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge certification, with goals of net-zero energy, water, waste, and emissions.
The final mass timber delivery date is scheduled for June 1, 2025, marking the official start of phase two of construction.
“This project is a testament to what visionary design combined with advanced mass timber engineering can create,” said Ricardo Brites, director of engineering and VDC at Mercer Mass Timber. “From custom made glulam connections to a curved roof profile that’s as complex as it is beautiful, this project sets a new bar for civic architecture.”
Incorporating mass timber is a means to honour Theodore Roosevelt’s enduring legacy of conservation with a beautiful nature-forward design. Mass Timber also offers innovative construction advantages, including 25–40% lower carbon emissions, faster installation, and strong fire and earthquake resistance for enhanced safety.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is set to open on July 4, 2026, and every living president is anticipated to be in attendance.
