Medora, N.D. – The Architecture MasterPrize 2026 jury announced that the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library has been awarded Architectural Design of the Year. The award, presented in Los Angeles on October 19, recognized the library’s excellence in design, originality, function and sustainability.
Local design and conservation effort
The library, built by Shøetta Architecture, incorporates a prairie‑conservation project that began in the summer of 2022. More than 200 native seed species were collected from the grasslands surrounding Medora, including varieties once found on Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross and Elkhorn Ranch properties.
North Dakota State University researchers in Hettinger helped dry, catalog, germinate and multiply the seeds. The seedlings were later planted on the library’s roof, creating a living link to the 3,000 acres of nearby National Grasslands.
National recognition
Competing against entries from 92 countries, the library stood out for its cohesive integration of architecture and landscape. Judges highlighted how the design reflects President Theodore Roosevelt’s own reflections on the North Dakota landscape, blending modern functionality with a deep respect for the region’s natural heritage.
“The project demonstrates how a public building can serve as a steward of the environment while celebrating our nation’s history,” the jury statement read.
Impact on the community
Beyond the award, the library’s design is expected to boost tourism in Medora and the surrounding Badlands region. Local businesses anticipate increased visitor traffic, while the prairie‑restoration effort provides educational opportunities for schools and community groups.
Shøetta Architecture plans to monitor the roof garden’s performance and share best‑practice guidelines with other institutions seeking sustainable design solutions.
Looking ahead
The library will open its doors to the public later this year, offering exhibits on Roosevelt’s conservation legacy, interactive displays, and a research center for scholars. The award underscores the potential for small‑town projects to achieve national acclaim when they honor both heritage and the environment.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
