Luis Calvo, a 2010 graduate of the College of Architecture and Construction Management, is playing a leading role in the Downtown Smyrna Redevelopment Project, according to a Mar. 10 announcement. Calvo, who left Barranquilla, Colombia at age 18 to study architecture in the United States, now serves as associate principal and Atlanta studio lead for MKSK, an urban planning and design firm.
The redevelopment project aims to transform a nine-acre site just south of downtown Smyrna. The property currently houses Smyrna First Baptist Church, which will relocate in two years. Plans call for preserving a historic chapel for public use while redeveloping the rest of the land for mixed-use purposes including housing, retail, dining options, and improved pedestrian and bicycle connectivity through the Jonquil Mile corridor.
Calvo said his education was pivotal: “Coming to Southern Polytechnic was a turning point in my life. It was my first experience living in the United States, and the sense of community on campus made that transition really meaningful.” He added that community input has been central to shaping the project’s vision: “People wanted it to feel like an extension of downtown. They wanted high-quality public spaces, thoughtful architecture, the right mix of housing, businesses, and vibrancy.”
City leaders have emphasized creating a walkable environment that supports responsible growth while strengthening Smyrna’s identity. The next phase involves selecting a development partner to realize this vision.
Hazem Rashed-Ali, dean of CACM, praised Calvo’s achievements: “Luis represents the very best of our architecture alumni. His ability to apply design thinking at the scale of entire communities demonstrates the depth of education our students receive.”
Reflecting on his career path from architectural designer in South Florida to urban planner with national experience back in Metro Atlanta, Calvo said: “An architecture degree can take you to many different paths professionally. The creative problem-solving and communication skills are infinitely transferable.”
