Bold by Nature: Behind the Design of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

In this episode, JLG's Jennifer Burke Jackson explores one of T.R.’s guiding beliefs: to go “over, under, or through, but never around” life’s obstacles. She examines how this resolve influenced the project’s landscape architecture, shaping the character of the walkable roof as it rises to meet the rugged bluffs of western North Dakota. Burke Jackson is joined by two leaders of the Library’s landscape architecture team, Matt McMahon and Jena Stanton, who share lessons learned during construction of the expansive living roof. Together, they reflect on the collaborative work of building with the land, responding to the region’s climate, and making bold design decisions that contribute to the cultural and ecological story of rural North Dakota.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of one of the most ambitious features of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library: the living, walkable earth roof. We explore how the roof was conceived to mirror the natural contours of the Badlands, discuss how it captures every drop of rainfall on-site, and reminisce on summers spent hand-collecting seeds to plant native prairie plugs on the roof. The conversation will reflect upon what it means to build something that, over time, will sequester more carbon than it took to create. This is a story about design meeting dirt.

Presidential libraries are typically found in major metropolitan areas, making the selection of Medora, ND—a town of just 160 residents—a truly unique choice. In this episode, we explore how Medora was chosen over Roosevelt’s home state of New York, highlighting the determined advocacy and vision of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation and North Dakota’s state leaders that made this monumental decision possible.

Bold by Nature explores the remarkable collaboration behind the Library’s realization in an unexpected place: Medora, North Dakota. Hear from the passionate team at JLG Architects—founded in North Dakota—and their world-class partners as they share behind-the-scenes insights, challenges, and triumphs. Join the conversation as we uncover the pioneering spirit and bold civic vision defining this extraordinary destination.