One year after groundbreaking, Phase 1 of construction has been completed on one of the most ambitious civic mass timber projects in the U.S.
SPOKANE VALLEY, WA – May 20, 2025 – Today, Mercer Mass Timber (MMT) 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. 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.
Key Project Highlights:
- The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is the largest use of mass timber in North Dakota to date. MMT is supplying ~1,800 m³ of CLT and glulam for the 93,000-square-foot 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 & 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.
Project images can be downloaded HERE. More information, sales contact information and inquiry submission can be found on Mercer Mass Timber’s website.
About Mercer Mass Timber
Mercer Mass Timber (MMT) is redefining sustainable construction with innovative, bio-based building materials. MMT combines cutting-edge technology, expert craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability to create beautiful, low-carbon structures. By partnering with builders, developers, and designers, MMT helps shape greener, more vibrant communities.
Backed by Mercer International, MMT brings the strength and resources of a global leader in wood products and renewable materials to every project.
About Mercer International
Mercer International Inc. is a global forest products company with operations in Germany, the USA and Canada with consolidated annual production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes of pulp, 960 million board feet of lumber, 210 thousand cubic meters of cross-laminated timber, 45,000 cubic metres of glulam, 17 million pallets and 150,000 metric tons of wood pellets.
To obtain further information on the company, please visit its website at mercerint.com.
Mercer Mass Timber
Shel Tejamo, Director of Marketing
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C: 341-221-8797
Mother Bear
Kelsey Tomascheski
Director of Marketing & Communications
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C: 425-420-8418
