From left to right: Joey Rhyne, Dow Smith Company, Samantha Cook, AIM and Roger Hopkins, Developer.
When Autism in Motion decided to open a clinic in Murfreesboro, the organization knew there was a great need in this community – and that need would require a special facility.
Autism in Motion (AIM), whose mission is to ensure every child with autism has the opportunity to live a happy, fulfilling life, already has eight locations throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Murfreesboro was chosen as the organization’s ninth location for a reason.
“We know that Rutherford County is the fastest growing county in Tennessee and there’s a real need for the services we provide,” said Chloe Pratt, Chief Marketing Officer for Autism in Motion Clinics. She added that nearby MTSU has a graduate program in Applied Behavior Analysis, the method of therapy AIM Clinics employs to serve clients of all ages and skill levels.
Pratt worked with Roger Hopkins at RK Urban Development to find a building at 527 N. Maple Street—a perfect spot in downtown Murfreesboro that Pratt said is appealing because of its proximity to residential and commercial.
Originally a BellSouth hub and then a doctor’s office for several years, the build sat empty for multiple years. Dow Smith Company had already renovated the outside of the building while it was empty so Hopkins recommended Pratt bring in Dow Smith Company for design-build fit-up services. Click here to read about the renovation.
At the kick-off design meeting, Pratt and Hopkins met with architect Rob McKelvey and Dow Smith Company Partner Joey Rhyne.
“Overall what struck me about Joey is that he really wanted to get into the details and learn about how we would use the space,” Pratt said.
In this particular space a great deal of renovation was needed to include some key things: an accommodating waiting room, a statement wall with letters lit from within, an open treatment area for art projects and table-top sensory activities, a Natural Environment Training room, a gross motor room with a trampoline, swing and active play toys as well as a teen room with video games and Legos.
One of the unique things about this clinic is an observation window, which gives parents the opportunity to observe treatment. Parents can gather in the conference room and observe through one-way glass. They can take what they’ve learned at the clinic and apply it at home.
This is AIM’s first clinic with an interactive art space, which includes magnetic dry erase wallpaper that completely covers the wall. Magnets, letters and markers are available to be used in lessons and activities.
“It definitely was a big project. We really gave the building an entirely new life,” Pratt said. “It’s more of a transformation than a renovation.”
COVID-19 challenges
Communication is key on any project but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because Pratt wasn’t able to visit the site as often as she might under normal circumstances, she said the consistent updates from Project Manager Andrea Fall were invaluable.
“I’ve never had a project manager send me such detailed updates. It was a real dream to work with them,” Pratt said. “With Andrea’s constant communication, that really set DSC apart. We’ve never had such a good experience with a contractor…period.”
Rhyne said this level of communication is standard practice at Dow Smith Company. Every Thursday, the team provides a weekly update to the owner, landlord, contractors, subcontractors and vendors about new developments and work that still needs to be done. Updates are provided on the schedule as well as decisions that need to be resolved.
“Autism in Motion knew what they needed and that was really helpful,” Rhyne said. “If a client has a vision, we’re able to accommodate it.”
COVID-19 provided additional challenges because the job site was limited to 10 people, which required coordination on who was coming and going.
But none of this slowed down the Dow Smith team.
“They got the project done way ahead of schedule and the work was really thorough even in spite of the pandemic,” Pratt said. “I was really pleased.”
Award-winning facility
Before Autism in Motion ever opened its doors to the public, the facility won an award. In February, Main Street Murfreesboro announced that RK Urban Development had won the Downtown Design Award for the redevelopment of the Autism in Motion building.
“We congratulate RK Urban Development, Autism in Motion and all of the folks who worked on this facility,” Dow Smith said. “We’re grateful to have been able to play a role in their success and we know this organization is going to be a tremendous asset to our community.”
