Mercer Hits Milestone On Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
One year after groundbreaking, Mercer Mass Timber (MMT) has announced the completion of the first phase of construction on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, a future cultural destination located in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands, and the largest mass timber project in the state to date.
Phase one construction began one year ago and is centered 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.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is the largest use of mass timber in North Dakota to date. MMT is supplying approximately 1,800 m³ of CLT and glulam for the 93,000 sq. ft. structure, including custom glulam connections supporting the museum’s curved roof.
The final mass timber delivery date is scheduled for June 1, 2025, marking the official start of phase two of construction, which will include Mercer Mass Timber contributing canopies designed to support photovoltaic panels—expanding mass timber use in outdoor architectural features.
“This project is a testament to what visionary design combined with advanced mass timber engineering can create,” says Ricardo Brites, Director of Engineering & 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 honor 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.
Latest News
Oregon’s Hampton Lumber Acquires Banks Lumber Mill
Hampton Lumber has acquired the assets of the Banks Lumber Mill, just months after the Washington County mill had laid off its employees and ceased operations. Portland-based Hampton plans to upgrade the mill “to improve…
Canfor Establishing U.S. Headquarters In Alabama
Canadian wood products company Canfor is opening its U.S. headquarters in Mobile. The U.S. branch will operate under the name Canfor Southern Pine, said Fred Stimpson, Canfor Southern Pine president. The move will bring 20…
Canada, U.S. Far Apart On Softwood Lumber
With a fall deadline approaching, Canada’s chief negotiator in the softwood lumber talks with the United States says the two sides remain far apart on several key issues. Martin Moen told a parliamentary committee on…
Weyerhaeuser To End Production At Montana Mills This Week
Seventy years of lumber production will come to an end this week when the Weyerhaeuser Company starts to shut down its lumber and plywood mills in Columbia Falls. Weyerhaeuser Montana Resources Team Leader Tom Ray…
Find Us On Social
Newsletter
The monthly Timber Processing Industry Newsletter reaches over 4,000 mill owners and supervisors.
Subscribe/Renew
Timber Processing is delivered 10 times per year to subscribers who represent sawmill ownership, management and supervisory personnel and corporate executives. Subscriptions are FREE to qualified individuals.
Advertise
Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative.