TUCUMCARI, N.M. – Everyone's Federal Credit Union has foundinspiration for its newly renovated branch by tapping into thepast. Originally chartered in 1954 as Southern Pacific RailwayEmployees FCU, it later merged with Guadalupe/Quay County CU andUnion County CU. When the railroad ceased operations here, a namechange to better reflect its community charter resulted in its newidentity as Everyone's FCU. Never forgetting its railway roots, thedesign and architecture of the revamped facility, which used to bea windshield repair shop, pays homage to historic railroad depotsfound not only here and throughout the state but in Las Vegas aswell. Given the over $10 million credit union's growth over theyears, Everyone's FCU CEO Andi Baum says she was lucky to have avisionary board that recognized more could be accomplished with thespace. “Our board is truly amazing and our board chair who has beena member here almost since the beginning really championed thismove and he wanted to see it completed before he retired,” saidBaum. “We had outgrown our space here and our ROA was over 2% for afew years in a row so what better way to give back to our membersthan creating a branch they can not only be proud of but isdesigned to better suit their needs.” Baum and the board workedwith architect Jeff White of Dallas-based Financial Design andConstruction. A picture Baum kept in her office of the oldTucumcari depot inspired the idea of a depot. With an eye onlong-term goals Baum says they took their time in designing thefacility and adding on some 1,900 square feet. “Looking at it todaythere is no sign of its former windshield repair days,” said Baum.“I think this branch surpassed our expectations because in onesense we do have this history, but our facilities left theimpression to members that we were makeshift. The reality is thatwe were making due with what we had, but first impressions countand consumers don't see how great our numbers are – all they see isthe branch – so now we are projecting an image that we are a soundfinancial institution. What's really great is how this branch hasbrought in people who never even thought about joining our creditunion before and we couldn't be happier.” With a branch based in arural community miles from metropolitan areas like Amarillo,Albuquerque and Clovis, Baum says the greatest challenge of theproject was finding the craftsmen and laborers to create the traindepot faade. Even the drive-through was made to resemble a depotdown to the inlayed medallions. Baum says the facility hasrevitalized efforts to restore the original depot here and acommittee has been formed to determine what can be done. Inaddition to reflecting the charm and history of the old depot andEveryone's FCU's own railroad history, the branch also features a120-foot metal fence and mural depicting a train pulling into thedepot and the scenery that passengers would see during their ride.“The detail in this mural is striking down to even seeing thescorpions and sand coyotes in the distance,” said Baum. “We arelocated right off of I-40 and people literally drive off thehighway just to take pictures of this and are amazed by theattention to detail. We've become a destination.” The charmcontinues with an interior designed to reflect the idea that thisis an institution that stands for “everyone's favorite” or“everyone's friendly” credit union. To that end warm, invitingsouthwest colors of soft turquoises, pale purples and creams wereused liberally and the artwork reinforces the credit union'srailroad story including photos that date back to the 1900s.Display cases throughout the branch also showcase full railroaderuniforms and other train memorabilia donated by staffers andmembers alike. The branch also boasts an expansive lobby laid with24-inch terracotta Mexican tiles that have drawn members to furtherexplore the branch's other treasures which include a children'scorner complete with chalkboard. Asked her favorite space, Baumsays hands down it is her office. “When we were thinking of what wecould do to save money we bought furniture from the league whichwas enough to equip the branch nicely but not much left over for myoffice,” said Baum. “So I talked to a local builder who designedthis great unique furniture and a huge southwestern themed screenabout seven feet wide and six feet high in about five panels toseparate my work area and it is so beautiful-it's become one of thebranch tour highlights!” [email protected]