I wish this project was real – hopefully it will be someday.

As part of a weekend design course, I took on the challenge of building a brand for a hometown landmark. This was just for fun, but I became obsessed.

The Rio Theater opened on Christmas day in 1946. John Wayne headlined the show that day, and the theater has been a community staple ever since. It has been a place for town meetings, a place for locals to unwind on nights and weekends, and its facade has lit the street for decades.

During it’s prime, the bright lights and art deco features were an absolute showstopper. Every now and then, rumors circulate about it re-opening… but at this point there is little evidence.

This project is my attempt to remind people of its potential. I hope the right people are inspired to rescue The Rio someday soon.