Washington, DC - Communities In Schools (CIS), the nation’s largest and most effective organization dedicated to keeping kids in schools, recently signed a lease to relocate within 2345 Crystal Drive in Arlington, Virginia. Studley, the leading global commercial real estate services firm, counseled CIS in the transaction.

“Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school. It is important that our space reflects that mission and offers a fully functional and optimal work environment for our staff, partners, and students.” said Jan Bigelow, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Communities In Schools. “Our new space is collaborative, efficient and a true reflection of our culture.”

CIS enlisted Studley at the end of 2013 after their landlord approached the organization about relocating within the building. Studley, along with CIS and the architect, Strategic Initiatives, recognized an opportunity to re-evaluate Communities In Schools’ needs and restructure the space to better reflect their current corporate culture.

According to Studley’s Wendy Feldman Block, Corporate Managing Director, who negotiated CIS’s relocation, the new space creates a more collaborative environment and increases overall efficiencies. “Every office and workstation will have access to natural light, new internet and AV technologies equipped to better train and integrate Communities In Schools’ extensive field personnel into the culture,” she said. “With this space, CIS has room to grow without undergoing additional construction.”

Feldman Block also noted that early restructures like this one are becoming more prevalent in the region, as demand for office space decreases and landlords look to keep existing tenants.

CIS will occupy 16,462 square feet at 2345 Crystal Drive and plans to move in late summer 2014.