MOA Architecture selected as architects for The Echo Theater

MOA Architecture, Inc., has been selected to redesign The Echo Theater in Laurens, South Carolina.

Originally a segregated movie theater, in 1996 the building housed “The Redneck Shop,” which was advertised as the world-famous Ku Klux Klan (KKK) museum.

The Redneck Shop officially closed in 2012. David and Janice Kennedy of New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church now own the building. The movie Burden tells the story of how the Kennedys came to own the theater after helping former KKK member Mike Burden when he fell on hard times.

The Kennedys have formed a nonprofit organization, The Echo Project, and are turning the building into a community center that celebrates diversity.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to give this building a new beginning while preserving important parts of its history for learning and reflection. Watch the video below to learn more about why this project means so much to our Founder and CEO Michael Allen (Liberty Fellow, Class of 2014).