698-ton structural steel model
Tekla modeling supports the developing structural steel package for TrueNorth Steel within the library’s landscape-led architecture.
LocationMedora, North Dakota
Fabricator and clientTrueNorth Steel
Structural steel698 tons
Project overview
A building designed to become part of its own interpretive story.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is a distinctive library and museum being constructed in Medora, North Dakota. Integrated into the surrounding landscape, the building is intended to tell the story of Theodore Roosevelt while reflecting the environment that helped shape his life and legacy.
The architecture and the building’s sustainable design are integral to the visitor experience. Rather than serving only as a container for the exhibits, the structure itself contributes to the Library’s broader interpretive narrative.
Our team is providing structural steel detailing for approximately 698 tons of steel on behalf of TrueNorth Steel.
Architecture connected to place, history and sustainability.
Located within the Badlands landscape of western North Dakota, the Library is designed to establish a close relationship between the building and its surroundings.
Its form, material selection and sustainable building systems are intended to become part of the educational experience. This creates a project in which architecture, structure and storytelling must work together as a coordinated whole.
Project team and technical details
- Expected completion
- 2026
- Engineer of Record
- Magnusson Klemencic Associates
- Architects
- JLG Architects and Snøhetta
- General contractor
- JE Dunn Construction
- Primary scope
- Structural steel detailing
- Detailing platform
- Tekla Structures
- Detailing team
- Approximately 8–12 people
- Primary coordination requirement
- Structural steel and glulam systems
Detailing scope
Detailing platform
Steel-to-glulam interfaces
Steel geometry and connection locations are reviewed alongside glulam and other wood systems.
Supplier and architectural coordination
The model provides a shared reference for the fabricator, engineers, timber suppliers and architectural systems.
Fabrication information development
The coordinated model supports ongoing preparation of steel information as the design and multidisciplinary reviews progress.
Model to field
Coordinating the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library model for fabrication and field use.
01 / Coordinated model
02 / Fabrication & fieldTechnical complexity
Precision at every steel-to-timber interface.
Steel and engineered timber alignment
Geometry, connection points and construction requirements must remain compatible between the structural steel and timber packages.
Different supplier and installation requirements
Interfaces need review across material suppliers, fabrication processes and installation conditions before they affect shop or site work.
Evolving information across the team
Approximately 8–12 detailers are working within one coordinated environment, with 2,880 hours budgeted and current design information managed throughout.
Our approach
One detailing team aligned around a highly coordinated model.
A dedicated team of approximately 8–12 detailers is supporting the project, with 2,880 detailing hours currently budgeted.
Working within a single coordinated Tekla environment helps the team maintain consistent project information while managing interfaces between the structural steel, engineered timber and architectural systems.
The workflow is focused on accurate modeling, disciplined information management and regular coordination with the fabricator, engineers and material suppliers.
Bringing structural steel and engineered timber into one coordinated workflow.
The project is being detailed in Tekla Structures, providing the accuracy and model visibility required to coordinate the structural steel package with the building’s architectural and timber systems.
One of the project’s primary technical requirements is extensive coordination with the glulam and wood suppliers. Steel-to-timber interfaces must be carefully reviewed to ensure that geometry, connection locations and construction requirements remain aligned between the participating teams.
The model supports this process by providing a shared three-dimensional reference for coordination and the development of fabrication-ready information.
Project animation
Explore the project in motion.
Project result
Work in progress toward completion in 2026.
The project remains in an early stage, with detailing and multidisciplinary coordination continuing as the design develops.
As the work progresses, the Tekla model will support the production of fabrication-ready information for TrueNorth Steel and help maintain alignment between the structural steel and timber packages.