The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is rapidly taking form in the rugged landscape of Medora, North Dakota, with a striking mass timber structure that pays homage to the surrounding Badlands. Vancouver, British Columbia-based Mercer Mass Timber has completed the first phase of construction on the 93,000-square-foot cultural and educational facility, according to a May 20 news release.

Construction on the ambitious $400 million project began in 2023. According to the release, the initial phase focuses on the core museum building and its innovative roof, which mirrors the region’s undulating terrain. The design is rooted in environmental sensitivity and historical reverence, aiming to reflect the landscape that so profoundly influenced the 26th president of the United States.

Kansas City, Missouri-based JE Dunn is serving as general contractor on the project, which is being constructed with sustainability and durability in mind. Mercer Mass Timber, a subsidiary of global wood pulp producer Mercer International, is providing approximately 1,800 cubic meters of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam for the structure. This includes custom glulam connections that are crucial for supporting the roof’s dramatic curves.

The roof design is both aesthetic and structural, utilizing steel elements encased in timber to create a seamless, all-wood appearance. These engineered connections and joints are precisely crafted to handle the building’s loads while maintaining its visual cohesion.

“This project is a testament to what visionary design combined with advanced mass timber engineering can create,” said Ricardo Brites, director of engineering & VDC at Mercer Mass Timber, in the news release.

The final mass timber delivery is scheduled for June 1, aligning with the start of the second construction phase. In that next phase, Mercer will provide additional elements such as canopies designed to support photovoltaic solar panels, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainable energy and green design.

Mass timber continues to gain traction as a low-carbon alternative to concrete and steel, and Mercer Mass Timber has expanded its capabilities accordingly. The company launched a construction services division in 2023, a move that reflects the growing demand for its products across North America and beyond.

Though born and raised in New York, Theodore Roosevelt formed a deep bond with North Dakota, where he sought solace and purpose following the tragic deaths of his wife and mother on the same day in 1884. His time in the Badlands reshaped his identity and political philosophy.

Without his experiences there, Roosevelt once said, he never would have become president.

The library, which has been years in the making and is backed by a mix of public and private funding, is set to open on July 4, 2026, in time to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. When completed, it will serve as a presidential library, museum, and retreat center, inviting visitors to explore Roosevelt’s life, legacy, and enduring impact on American conservation and public service.

Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.