Title: Lumbee Tribal Welcome Center
Location of Proejct: Pembroke, NC
Project Completion Date: N/A
Firm Name: EVOKE Studio Architecture

Short Description: The Lumbee Tribal Welcome Center combines two ordinary programs—a gas station and convenience store—and reimagines them with a community-oriented purpose to create an extraordinary gateway into Pembroke. The gas station supports the Tribal community economically while serving people coming into town. The craft market encourages community wellness through locally sourced produce and promotes the tribe’s culture by offering authentic arts and handcrafts. The market’s outdoor stalls replenish the community, mirroring the way the gas station bays refill vehicles. A soaring roof structure unites the dual-sided building while reinforcing the outward facing, optimistic nature of both programs.

Architect's Statement: The New Tribal Center is the outgrowth of a unique partnership between the Lumbee Tribe and NC Growth, whose mission is to help communities create sustainable and equitable opportunities. The design is rooted in its surroundings and the tribe’s needs and wishes. The site is just over 13-acres, just outside of the Town of Pembroke. The site is adjacent to the Tribal Housing Complex. The Lumbee Tribe requested a fuel station, restaurant, craft + farmer’s market to help generate revenue to fund the tribes outreach initiatives. The design uses the adjacent highway (711) and Lumbee residences to the north to organize the program. Along Highway 711 frontage, the building becomes the fueling station. The farmers’ market and crafts market opens to the community and creates a park atmosphere. The building massing began with one form, which has ‘shifted and lifted’ into two bars which cater to their specific program and siting. A great canopy, reminiscent of a bird’s wing covers the structure. The form harkens to one of the sacred animals of the tribe, the falcon, without being literal.