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
Blaze Destroys Part Of Arkansas Sawmill
An early New Year’s Day fire destroyed a major component of a sawmill in Bearden that is the Ouachita County community’s largest employer. But the Anthony Timberlands Inc. pine sawmill and its 215 employees will…
South Carolina Sawmill Company Asks For Permit Extension
An extension for a critical permit to build a huge lumber sawmill was applied for just before the deadline Monday. A state air quality permit to build the Klausner mill along the North Edisto River…
Washington Mill Owner Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Big Leaf Maple
J&L Tonewood owner, Harold Clause Kupers, pleads guilty to trafficking illegally harvested big leaf maple from Gifford Pinchot National Forest located in Southwest Washington state. Kupers, who could face up to five years in prison,…
Slow Demand, Rising Production Stalls Lumber And Panel Markets
New WOOD MARKETS five-year forecast calls for continued volatility as North American and global lumber markets continue to recover and grow. In WOOD MARKETS’ new five-year forecast, the short-term outlook is that North American and…
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.