The Tudor Roosevelt Wooden Library project in North Dakota is a unique blend of sustainable design and historical tribute. This 93,000-square-foot library uses innovative engineered wood materials, making it one of the largest timber projects in the United States.
Project Location, Owner, and Contractor
The Tudor Roosevelt Wooden Library project sits in Medora, North Dakota, honoring President Theodore Roosevelt’s strong connection to this region. The Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation owns it. JE Dunn, a skilled contractor from Kansas City, manages the construction. The company has earned a reputation for handling complex building projects with precision.
Building Details and Space Usage
The library spans 93,000 square feet and includes a museum gallery, event halls, and offices. The design mimics the nearby natural landscape, linking the building strongly to its environment.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Total Area | 93,000 sq. ft. |
Usage | Museum, event halls, offices |
General Contractor | JE Dunn |
Location | Medora, North Dakota |
Materials and Construction Techniques
The project uses about 1,800 cubic meters of high-quality engineered wood, such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam (glued laminated timber). These materials offer great strength while remaining lighter than concrete and steel. Therefore, the construction proceeds faster and more cost-effectively. Additionally, these woods provide excellent thermal insulation and come from renewable sources, supporting environmental sustainability.
Because the roof curves in complex shapes, the engineers designed custom wooden joints to hold the structure. These joints ensure stability and maintain the wooden look. Steel supports wrapped in wood cover these joints to combine strength with aesthetics.
Material | Description | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) | Layered wood panels with crossed fibers | High strength, lightweight, good insulation |
Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) | Laminated wood used for beams and columns | Supports curved roof design, durable, sustainable |
Upcoming Construction Phases
The team started building the basic structure and roof of the Tudor Roosevelt Wooden Library last year. The next phase will begin on June 1, 2025. It includes installing canopies that hold photovoltaic solar panels. This addition will improve energy efficiency and align perfectly with the project’s green goals.
President Theodore Roosevelt’s connection to North Dakota gives the library a unique human side. He retreated here after losing his wife and mother on the same day in 1884. This personal story adds cultural and architectural depth. The library will open on July 4, 2026, a symbolic date celebrating American heritage.
Ricardo Brites, Engineering Director at Mercer Mass Timber, said, “This project shows what we can achieve when visionary design meets advanced wood engineering.” He emphasized that using wood plays a key role in moving toward sustainable construction.
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