Transforming a 1960s school: Roosevelt Middle School’s modern renovation

Roosevelt Middle School is a powerful example of how thoughtful middle school architecture and design can transform educational experiences for students, educators, and the broader community. Through a strategic adaptive reuse of the former Roosevelt High School, Treanor’s Education design team partnered with Weld RE-5J and Adolfson & Peterson Construction to create a future-ready, career-oriented middle school that supports hands-on learning, flexible environments, and a strong sense of belonging. Principal Aspen Calvillo reflects on the design and construction journey, from community engagement and budget realities to creating a dynamic Learning Commons and central gathering space that has become the heart of the school. This renovation proves that meaningful design doesn’t require a brand-new building—just the right vision and the right team.

How adaptive reuse shaped a modern learning environment for the Johnstown and Milliken communities

When Roosevelt Middle School opened its doors in 2023, students walked into a new space intentionally shaped by educators, families, community members, and the design team to support how students learn today. Principal Aspen Calvillo calls the transformation “an excellent upgrade” from the school’s aging 1960s facility, which struggled to accommodate growing enrollment, evolving educational needs, and expanding CTE programs.

Through a district bond, a BEST grant, and a BEST grant supplement, the project team re-envisioned the former Roosevelt High School and brought it to life as a 118,000-square-foot middle school fit for 21st-century learning.