TUCUMCARI, N.M. – Everyone's Federal Credit Union has found inspiration for its newly renovated branch by tapping into the past. Originally chartered in 1954 as Southern Pacific Railway Employees FCU, it later merged with Guadalupe/Quay County CU and Union County CU. When the railroad ceased operations here, a name change to better reflect its community charter resulted in its new identity as Everyone's FCU. Never forgetting its railway roots, the design and architecture of the revamped facility, which used to be a windshield repair shop, pays homage to historic railroad depots found not only here and throughout the state but in Las Vegas as well. Given the over $10 million credit union's growth over the years, Everyone's FCU CEO Andi Baum says she was lucky to have a visionary board that recognized more could be accomplished with the space. “Our board is truly amazing and our board chair who has been a member here almost since the beginning really championed this move and he wanted to see it completed before he retired,” said Baum. “We had outgrown our space here and our ROA was over 2% for a few years in a row so what better way to give back to our members than creating a branch they can not only be proud of but is designed to better suit their needs.” Baum and the board worked with architect Jeff White of Dallas-based Financial Design and Construction. A picture Baum kept in her office of the old Tucumcari depot inspired the idea of a depot. With an eye on long-term goals Baum says they took their time in designing the facility and adding on some 1,900 square feet. “Looking at it today there is no sign of its former windshield repair days,” said Baum. “I think this branch surpassed our expectations because in one sense we do have this history, but our facilities left the impression to members that we were makeshift. The reality is that we were making due with what we had, but first impressions count and consumers don't see how great our numbers are – all they see is the branch – so now we are projecting an image that we are a sound financial institution. What's really great is how this branch has brought in people who never even thought about joining our credit union before and we couldn't be happier.” With a branch based in a rural community miles from metropolitan areas like Amarillo, Albuquerque and Clovis, Baum says the greatest challenge of the project was finding the craftsmen and laborers to create the train depot faade. Even the drive-through was made to resemble a depot down to the inlayed medallions. Baum says the facility has revitalized efforts to restore the original depot here and a committee has been formed to determine what can be done. In addition to reflecting the charm and history of the old depot and Everyone's FCU's own railroad history, the branch also features a 120-foot metal fence and mural depicting a train pulling into the depot and the scenery that passengers would see during their ride. “The detail in this mural is striking down to even seeing the scorpions and sand coyotes in the distance,” said Baum. “We are located right off of I-40 and people literally drive off the highway just to take pictures of this and are amazed by the attention to detail. We've become a destination.” The charm continues with an interior designed to reflect the idea that this is an institution that stands for “everyone's favorite” or “everyone's friendly” credit union. To that end warm, inviting southwest colors of soft turquoises, pale purples and creams were used liberally and the artwork reinforces the credit union's railroad story including photos that date back to the 1900s. Display cases throughout the branch also showcase full railroader uniforms and other train memorabilia donated by staffers and members alike. The branch also boasts an expansive lobby laid with 24-inch terracotta Mexican tiles that have drawn members to further explore the branch's other treasures which include a children's corner complete with chalkboard. Asked her favorite space, Baum says hands down it is her office. “When we were thinking of what we could do to save money we bought furniture from the league which was enough to equip the branch nicely but not much left over for my office,” said Baum. “So I talked to a local builder who designed this great unique furniture and a huge southwestern themed screen about seven feet wide and six feet high in about five panels to separate my work area and it is so beautiful-it's become one of the branch tour highlights!” [email protected]
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