In this episode of Treanor Talks’ Ed Talks series, Treanor PK-12 Education architect Kelly Denker sits down with Aspen Calvillo, Principal of Roosevelt Middle School, to discuss how a former high school was transformed into a modern, future-ready middle school.

They explore the school’s design vision, challenges, and the power of adaptive reuse in middle school architecture and design. Aspen shares insights on renovating a 1960s building, expanding CTE offerings, navigating budget constraints, and how flexible learning environments like grade-level Learning Commons have reshaped student learning.

Whether you’re an educator, designer, planner, or community member, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at creating schools that truly support the way students learn today.

🔗 Learn more at www.treanor.design.

Topics covered:

00:00 — Intro: Welcome to Treanor Talks
00:25 — Meet Principal Aspen Calvillo
01:15 — Why the District Needed a New Middle School
02:31 — CTE and Elective Programs at Roosevelt
04:00 — Reusing Roosevelt High School as the New Middle School
04:23 — Starting the Design Process & Early Challenges
06:05 — The Design Advisory Group (DAG)
06:55 — Establishing Priorities: Community, CTE, and Commons Space
08:56 — Creating the Heart of the School: The New Commons
09:23 — User Groups, Dreams, and Budget Realities
10:01 — Blending Old and New During Renovation
11:38 — What It’s Like Running a School During Construction
13:10 — Favorite Spaces & Surprises After Move-In
15:31 — Staff Adaptation & Learning Studio Culture
17:43 — How Learning Commons Are Being Used Today
19:01 — Aspen’s Advice for Schools Facing Renovation
22:52 — What’s Next for Roosevelt Middle School

Treanor is a national architecture, planning, and design firm located in the United States. The company holds a firm belief in sharing resources and insights with professionals, clients, and building users to shape the space we use to live and grow as people. For more information, visit www.treanor.design.