A modern metal nod to rural roots

By Jesse Sanchez.

Metal roof panels add durability and charm to interstate welcome center.

Interstate travelers in Indiana now have a new, visually striking rest stop to enjoy along I-69 in Steuben County. The recently completed Pigeon Creek Welcome Center is the first project in the state’s ambitious 10-year, $600 million plan to modernize 21 of its interstate rest areas and welcome centers. Designed to reflect the region’s rural heritage, the welcome center’s architecture merges contemporary aesthetics with agricultural inspiration — an approach reinforced by its durable metal roofing from PAC-CLAD Petersen.

The facility, located in the northeastern part of the state, takes cues from Steuben County’s reputation as an outdoor destination. Known as “the land of 101 lakes,” the county is home to Pokagon State Park, a 1,260-acre recreational haven. The design team, which included Evansville-based Fosse & Associates Architects and the Indianapolis office of DLZ, sought to integrate these natural and historical elements into the welcome center’s appearance.

The goal was to create a space that felt both modern and connected to the area’s agricultural past. A key component of this aesthetic is the standing-seam metal roof, which features a curved main section complemented by a clerestory structure with a traditional gable roof. The result is a modern farmhouse feel that resonates with travelers and locals alike.

Metal roofing was chosen for both its durability and ability to enhance the structure’s rural charm. Supplied by Petersen, a Carlisle company, the PAC-CLAD panels include approximately 12,000 square feet of Tite-Loc panels in Classic Silver and 2,500 square feet of Flush panels in Bone White for the building’s fascia. The installation was handled by Millwood Roofing & Construction, based in Milford, Indiana.

Adding to the welcome center’s distinctiveness is a small on-site silo, prominently displaying an “Indiana Welcomes You” message. The combination of bold signage, barn-inspired design and high-performance materials ensures that the Pigeon Creek Welcome Center is both an inviting rest stop and a lasting tribute to the region’s character.

As Indiana continues its ambitious revitalization of highway rest stops, projects like Pigeon Creek set the tone for a new era of travel accommodations — where modern convenience meets local identity.

Learn more about how the Pigeon Creek Welcome Center seamlessly blends modern design with Indiana’s rural heritage!