In this month’s Urban Design Panel, we will hear about the Center For Tribal Nations - a contemporary mixed-use gathering place to reconnect indigenous people to the river.
The Center for Tribal Nations is a mixed-use development that aims to leverage the redevelopment of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) masterplan to establish a collaborative partnership between Native and non-Native organizations, Tribal and non-tribal governments into an integrated project that will restore Native peoples' connection to the Willamette River and address challenges of sustainability, resilience and inclusion.
In celebrating diverse perspectives the Center for Tribal Nations emerges as a place where stories are shared, cultural education thrives, and community strength subtly becomes an integral part of a project that strives for regeneration indigenous knowledge. Together, we embrace the power of collective voices, fostering a project that stands as a symbol of inclusivity, and collaboration, much like the delicate beauty found in the art of basketry.
The Center for Tribal Nations will consist of two high rise towers resting on a podium that contains a Urban Ceremonial Grounds, a Conference Space, Native Food Hall, Cultural/Art Workspaces, and a Central Utility Plant (CUP) serving the OMSI district. Each tower will have a different function with one tower as Hotel/Hospitality/Multi-Family Housing and the second tower will be a Workplace/Clinics/Medical and Social entrepreneurial spaces.
Speakers
Jeff Roberts, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA is an architect/planner and an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Jeff is the founder and principal of Earthwise Design who possesses a deep-seated commitment to regenerative design. Known for his holistic design approach and high-performance buildings, Jeff's work is rooted in place-based solutions that prioritize ecological concepts, forging a path toward a more sustainable future. With his extensive knowledge of water conservation, he serves on the Advisory Board for the AIA+2030 Professional Education Series and is the Senior Project Manager for the Center for Tribal Nations.
Marissa Ahern-Crabb is a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the founder of Native Roots Design and Development LLC - A full-service design studio specializing in residential and commercial interiors and design strategy for indigenous communities. Through her multifaceted design approach, Marissa provides enduring and far-reaching solutions for the clients and communities she serves. As a Native designer, Marissa is dedicated to creating a legacy through her leadership and her design work that sets an example for future generations. With her roots in the Pacific Northwest, Marissa is happily based in Vancouver, Washington, where she lives with her husband and daughter.
