Dallas ISD — Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation
Architect: Stantec Architecture Inc.
“Originally built in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement, this high school was the first new “Blacks-only” secondary school in the area since 1939. It quickly became a symbol of resilience and opportunity for a historically underserved community. Despite years of aging infrastructure, the school remained a source of pride. When it was slated for demolition, strong advocacy from alumni and community members led the district to pursue a transformative renovation instead.
With a $63 million investment, the project preserved the original structure and its legacy while upgrading the campus to meet 21st-century educational standards. A major challenge was the 20-foot elevation change across the site, which previously limited access. A new pedestrian bridge now serves as a welcoming entry and creates sheltered courtyards below.
The renovation introduced flexible classrooms, natural light, and specialized spaces for Career and Technical Education programs, including culinary arts, healthcare, and emergency response. Heritage Hall, featuring murals and dedications, honors the school’s history and inspires students daily.
Phased construction allowed the school to remain operational throughout the process. Today, the revitalized campus reflects community values, strengthens student engagement, and stands as a lasting symbol of pride, progress, and opportunity.”
Design
“The addition and renovation of the school aimed to meet 21st-century learning standards while preserving its rich history and identity. The community placed great value on the school’s heritage, and through meaningful dialogue, the decision was made to renovate rather than pursue a complete rebuild.
A key design goal was to create a new front entry and redefine the school’s public image. One of the most significant technical challenges was the site’s topography, which presented a 20-foot elevation change from one end of the campus to the other.
Balancing the need for transformation with the importance of preserving identity required careful collaboration between the district, design team, and community. Blending historic elements with modern interventions was a sensitive process that involved multiple design sessions and community input to ensure the result honored both legacy and future.
Alumni and community members successfully advocated for renovating and expanding the existing campus, preserving the school’s powerful legacy in the fight for civil rights and educational equity.
The site’s steep topography made the original front entrance hard to find and inaccessible from the parking lot. The new design introduces a prominent, accessible entry bridge that celebrates arrival while providing a secure and welcoming vestibule.
Renovating within the existing structure presented unique design challenges that ultimately led to transformative changes, enhancing school spirit and well-being.
The design preserves the school’s identity while shaping a campus the community can take pride in. The transformation celebrates heritage, strengthens school spirit, and deepens students’ connection to the school’s history.”
Value
“Originally planned as a complete rebuild, the project shifted to an addition and renovation in response to the community’s deep connection to the school’s heritage. A severe 20-foot site elevation challenged access to the original entrance, but thoughtful design turned it into an opportunity to create a prominent new entry.
By preserving key structures and carefully planning new additions, the design strategy reduced costs. Beyond financial value, the renovation brought renewed pride and ownership to students, staff, and the broader community. The school now serves as a vibrant hub with public-facing facilities and welcoming, safe spaces.
Preserving the Identity | Through blending old and new, the school preserved its identity while making use of the existing structure and challenging site, resulting in cost-effective solutions and distinctive design moments.
Through phased construction and close collaboration between the architect, contractor, and district, the school remained fully operational. Not a single day of school was lost, ensuring educational continuity while maintaining a safe and secure environment for students.
The addition of a Career and Technical Education program introduced new opportunities for students, supported by specialized facilities that connect them with professionals from the community.
New offerings include a culinary kitchen, dance studio, mock patient exam room, and a first responder classroom for fire and paramedic training.
The addition and renovation fostered renewed pride and ownership among students, staff, and the community.
The transformation contributed to increased enrollment and reduced dropout rates, highlighting its positive and lasting impact.”
Wellness
“The design focused on creating accessible, flexible gathering spaces that foster collaboration and strengthen connections within the school and the surrounding community.
By infusing the existing building with natural light and revitalized learning environments, the transformation inspired pride and engagement among students and elevated educational opportunities for students by embracing the school’s unique history.
The new bridge from the main parent and bus drop-off now serves as the primary entry and offers shelter for the courtyards below, shaped by the site’s steep grade. Retaining walls provide safety and privacy by shielding these spaces from the street.
Opening Up To Natural Daylight | Existing spaces were transformed through the introduction of natural daylight. While working within the original structure posed challenges, the result elevated the spaces to a new standard of educational well-being.
Restoring school pride and reinforcing identity was a core goal of the project, achieved while honoring the school’s legacy. Through close collaboration with community stakeholders, graphics and signage were designed to inspire and uplift.
The renovation revitalized school pride, strengthening students’ sense of ownership and community. Increased enrollment and attendance rates reflected the school’s positive transformation and growing momentum.”
Community
“This project was driven by community advocacy. The school’s history stands as a symbol of resilience for alumni and residents, and it is a legacy they are determined to preserve. Rather than replacing the school, the community advocated for renovation, and their voices were included throughout the process through ongoing dialogue with the district, design team, and contractor.
The result was a renewed sense of connection and ownership. The school stands as a source of pride and identity, with safe, welcoming spaces indoors and outdoors. More than a renovation, the project sparked new opportunities, including partnerships with the local community college, first responders, hospitals, and businesses, extending the impact beyond the classroom.
The school holds deep importance to the community because of its history. Its story, rooted in a time of segregation and resilience, is woven into the community’s identity. Heritage Hall, featuring murals, dedications, and quotes from historical and local figures, stands as a tribute to this legacy and a source of inspiration for students.
The community was engaged throughout every phase of the project, from early visioning to design development and construction.
Their input shaped key decisions, helping preserve the school’s identity while guiding the creation of spaces that truly serve students, staff, and the surrounding neighborhood.
School spirit has been revitalized across the entire campus. From common areas to athletic spaces, the renewed sense of pride strengthens student identity and fosters connection to the community. Many community stakeholders and alumni see the school as a reflection of shared history and future potential.
The transformed school expands student opportunities and strengthens community prospects.
New partnerships with the local college, first responders, hospitals, and businesses connect students with real-world learning experiences in the community.”
Planning
“Once slated for demolition, the school was reimagined through strong community advocacy. Instead of rebuilding, the project preserved the existing structure and identity while upgrading it to meet modern educational needs.
Ongoing engagement with community stakeholders ensured the design reflected shared values. Phased construction kept the school operational and students safe throughout the process.
The result is a revitalized campus that honors its legacy and supports 21st-century learning. Murals and environmental graphics foster pride and belonging, strengthening connections between students and the community.
Community, Every Step of the Way | The community played a vital role in advocating for the school’s success. Many stakeholders and alumni, made their involvement essential in conversations with the district, design team, and contractor throughout the project.
The new design creates a welcoming presence and fulfills the district’s vision for the school to serve as an active, inclusive community hub.
Careful phasing and close collaboration between the architect, contractor, and district allowed the school to remain fully operational during construction.
Not a single day of instruction was lost, ensuring continuity of learning and student safety throughout the process.
A coordinated effort between historic archives, graphic designers, and the community brought together murals and graphics that inspire students, celebrate alumni heritage, and create a visual identity unique to the school.”
School Transformation
“As a historically underserved community, this transformation reflects both strong local advocacy and the district’s commitment to honoring the school’s legacy.
Once established as a Black-only school during segregation, the campus now welcomes all with a new prominent front entry leading to Heritage Hall, a tribute to its history and distinguished alumni.
The renovated campus now supports modern classrooms, vocational training, and career-focused programs, expanding opportunities for students.
With an active alumni association and strong community engagement, the school has reemerged as a proud and vital part of the neighborhood. Preserving its history was essential to building a school that stands tall with pride.
The successful transformation of the school reshaped its narrative. Following completion, enrollment and attendance increased. Revived school spirit fostered a renewed sense of ownership and belonging among students and the community. Today, the school stands as a renewed source of pride and a tribute to its enduring legacy.”
Star of Distinction Category Winner