Movement of Change - Movement School

Movement School

MOVEMENT OF CHANGE

OVEMEN

Movement Mortgage has never been particularly interested in playing by everybody else’s rules.

Founded in South Carolina in 2008 at the height of the financial crisis,

the

company

decided

from the beginning to do things differently, and to put people first. The company’s mission, “We exist to love and value people by leading a Movement of Change in our Industry, Corporate Cultures and

Communities”

has

been

a driving force in its success: Movement Mortgage was named the “fastest-growing mortgage bank in the country” by Inc. Magazine, and now has a team of over 4,000 people working in all 50 states.

OVEMEN OVEMEN OVEMEN

MOVEMENT MOVEMENT MOVEMENT

... AN OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY THE CORPORATE MISSION TO COMMUNITIES IN NEED OF INVESTMENT.

With Movement Mortgage’s rapid

self-sustaining as they address

growth and prosperity came an

challenges

opportunity to apply the corporate

neighborhoods.

mission

company invested $200 million

to

communities

in

Movement

in

underserved In

2020,

Foundation,

the

need of investment. Movement

in

in

Foundation was created to do

addition to working with other

just that, and projects related

corporate and nonprofit partners

to education, healthcare, and

to magnify the impacts.

housing are designed to be

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One of the most visible (and adorable)

projects

is

the

growing network of Movement Schools, which are free public charter schools in Charlotte, NC that “exist to love and nurture scholars by leading a movement of change in education through academic excellence, character development,

and

preparation

for success in life.” Echoing the company’s

corporate

mission,

love comes first.

The Movement School curriculum is

dedicated

to

personalized

learning and character education, led

by

top-tier

educators.

The ability - and flexibility- to implement leading-edge teaching methodologies from around the country help to keep the focus on the kids and what they need to thrive.

ESTABLISHING GOALS LS3P was already working with Movement Mortgage and Movement Foundation on several projects when the first Movement School project began to take shape, and the firm was eager to participate in bringing the Foundation’s vision to life for a new model of education for the community’s students. The first school design transformed an abandoned K-Mart in west Charlotte into a kid-friendly educational environment, reclaiming an underutilized property as an active community node now surrounded by housing and other services.

9

The

design

needed

to

be

renovation

the

reused

the students but also needed

and covered walkway structure,

to

Movement

and brought consistency to the

Mortgage brand with materials

clean lines and modern concept

and

the

through exterior recladding. Site

corporate campus. The project

enhancements include a new

added a distinctive new entry

parking configuration, landscaped

and

for

tree islands, and playground;

wayfinding and shade, giving

amenities to attract and retain

depth and visual interest to

talented teachers include well-

the old façade. The materials

appointed staff breakrooms to

are

provide an oasis of serenity in a

details

the found

cantilevered

sleek

and

in

canopy

contemporary,

elevating the experience for the

existing

design

Welcoming and engaging for represent

the

costs,

building

busy school day.

kids and maintaining consistency when

corporate

guests

visit

the campus. To help manage

WELCOMING AND ENGAGING FOR THE STUDENTS

11

MOVEM

Inside, Movement School’s industrial vibe provides a direct connection with the Movement Mortgage culture. The space utilizes vibrant colors, warm materials, and interior wall graphics that appeal to children and staff. Bold geometry in the corridors brings energy and flow to the space. Skylights and circular glass windows allow natural light into the classrooms, and link the energetic environment of the classroom with the active corridors.

The cafeteria and gymnasium doubles as a community outreach space which welcomes neighborhood groups for evening and weekend functions. The first Movement School opened in 2017, and serves 500+ K-5 students. Building upon the success of the first campus, the second Movement School opened in east Charlotte in 2020.

The initial population of K-2 students will expand to K-5 as grade levels are added. The site was part of the old Eastland Mall development, currently being redeveloped with multifamily, retail, and office space. The school building reclaimed an old Harris

MENT Teeter,

adding a two-story wing with floor-to-ceiling glazing

and a bright red exterior canopy. The design complements the first school and the Movement Mortgage campus with a similar

architectural language and palette while giving the school its own unique character. The interior layout clusters classrooms in groups of four, supported by a central library collection room and vibrant collaboration/congregation area.

LS3P was already working with Movement Mortgage and Movement Foundation on several projects when the first Movement School project began to take shape, and the firm was eager to participate in bringing the Foundation’s vision to life for a new model of education for the community’s students. The first school design transformed an abandoned K-Mart in west Charlotte into a kid-friendly educational environment, reclaiming an underutilized property as an active community node now surrounded by housing and other services.

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BACKING OF A COMMITTED CORPORATE ENTITY A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF THE TARGET NEIGHBORHOODS AN INVESTMENT IN THE AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS REQUIRED TO BUILD TRUST

As of 2020, the Movement Schools were already serving 700 students, and $33 million had been invested in the program; this network of schools is steadily growing, with far-reaching impacts. The third Movement School is positioned to open in August for the 2021-2022 school year to sixth graders in a reimagined Lowes home improvement store, and will expand to serve grades 6-8, extending the curriculum and educational opportunities to middle schoolers. A fourth Movement School is planned to open in southwest Charlotte in 2022.

A number of factors have contributed to the Movement Schools’ success thus far: the backing of a committed corporate entity, a deep understanding of the target neighborhoods, and an investment in the authentic relationships required to build trust with all stakeholders.

The administrators and teachers are focused on the whole child, from leadership development to one-on-one learning to nutrition.

The Movement Foundation has been able to tap into resources from local nonprofits and other corporate leaders who want to be a part of the positive change happening in these neighborhoods, and the momentum going forward is strong. The Foundation is looking at sites to build ten more schools in the next five years, and with a waiting list that stretches well into the hundreds, the students will be ready to fill them.

For the architects, the Movement School projects are all about exciting opportunities. First and foremost, these schools are providing exceptional educational and community benefits to students, their families, and their neighborhoods, and they align perfectly with LS3P’s vision to “create architecture that enriches communities.” The work also allowed the firm to strengthen a relationship with a legacy client on a new type of project, and to connect with many diverse organizations working to provide resources to our underserved neighbors. The projects have also fostered camaraderie and collaboration across multiple LS3P offices, teams, and practice areas.

Most importantly, the Movement Schools are joyful places designed to put kids first, and the investment in these students will reap dividends for a lifetime.

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