One of Roers current projects is the remodel of Pulver Hall in Dickinson, ND, located in the heart of Dickinson State University. When the building was originally built in 1967, it was a men’s dormitory. For the past 30 years it has served as one of the state’s office building. The main reason for the remodel is to provide a permanent home for the University’s Theodore Roosevelt Center (TRC). The TRC is dedicated to preserving the legacy of President Roosevelt. Having a permanent home at Pulver Hall affords TRC the opportunity to hold meetings, like their annual Theodore Roosevelt Symposium, feature exhibits, create a home for their digital library and digitizing office, and house their research library.
History In The Making Floor by Floor
The first floor will be home to the research library and exhibit area with approximately 1,500 square feet of display area. The first floor will be decorated to reflect the historical period in which Roosevelt lived and will be based on rooms in his own past residence. This exhibit space will help to give guests a glimpse into the life of Theodore Roosevelt and his connection to and love of western North Dakota.
The second floor will house the TRC offices. The third floor offers additional meeting and classroom space for the university, as well as a recording and broadcasting studio.
Individual offices and a small apartment for visiting scholars will make up the fourth floor. The top two floors will feature upgraded residence hall rooms for approximately 66 Dickinson State University students.
Insight on the Center
The Theodore Roosevelt Center and the digital library project require the contributions of skilled, experienced professions with the desire to preserve this exceptional history. We visited with one of these highly dedicated individuals about the vision of this project. Clay Jenkins, a Theodore Roosevelt Humanities Scholar, is helping shape the direction of this project. He provided some insight on the project and the hopes for the future.
Q – When the museum opens, what can visitors expect?
The first exhibit will feature original prints from the Edward S. Curtis Collection. Roosevelt praised Curtis on his photographs as he said they were the beginning to assimilate into broader culture of the US.
Q – What are some unique features this project will entail?
We are working on recreating the reading room from Roosevelt’s home at Sagamore Hill. The heavy masculine feeling of the room will be filled with leather, statues and animal trophies. The fireplace will help tie in the spirit and aesthetics from Roosevelt’s room.
Q – When is the opening date for museum?
We are hoping for August 2021. The main goad is for the museum to be built in confidence, we want it to be done right and to truly reflect Roosevelt’s life.
Q – About how many employees will be working at the digital library?
There will be two full time staff members. Once the museum is open, they hope to have interns join the team.
Q – What is one thing you hope guests will enjoy and remember when they visit?
When visitors walk in, we want them to notice every aspect of Theodore Roosevelt life. With the plans that we have in place for truly exquisite replicas of Theodore’s reading room, fireplace, and other plans for renditions of his cabin, we hope to have visitors come through the doors and feel wowed.
Jenkins, commented the project has been going smoothly, “Working with the Roers team and JLG, the architects on the project, has been an amazingly satisfying partnership.”
Keep up to date on the progress of this project at https://www.roers.com/project/pulver-hall/