The Tubman Center for Health and Freedom is a community-based organization dedicated to healing and wellness. Tubman Health provides a healthcare model including preventive care, access to community resources, social services, political education, and advocacy. This health and wellness center will significantly expand this organization’s reach, from 550 patients to more than 12,000 patients.

Named in honor of Harriet Tubman, this organization has a holistic approach to health through systemic change and hands-on medical practices. The parti of the architectural design is derived from Harriet Tubman’s Shawl. ARC is partnered with the design architect, Evoke Studio based in North Carolina.

The façade of the building was inspired by Harriet Tubman’s shawl and the patterning found in traditional African and Indigenous fabrics and motifs. Healers across many cultures have worn shawls or wraps. We have used the shape found in many of these motifs as part of the shawl that will wrap the façade. The shawl symbolizes embrace, warmth, and protection — all qualities we want this center to hold.

This clinic will provide a ‘meetings and movement’ room, behavioral health services, exam healing suites, a hydrotherapy spa, hot rooms and a sauna. There are also pharmacy and a “roots and remedies” spaces that function to provide culturally appropriate medicines and consumable goods. With onsite bike parking, car parking, and close to the Rainier Beach light rail stop, the clinic will be accessible and rooted in the community it serves.