Rio Theater
7714 W. Vernor Highway,
Detroit,
MI
48209
7714 W. Vernor Highway,
Detroit,
MI
48209
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The Rio opened in 1935, built in an unusual mix of Art Deco and Spanish Colonial styles. It sat around 1400, and was designed by Cyril Edward Schley, a protegee of C. Howard Crane, whose best known Detroit work is the former Telenews (most recently housing a nightclub).
The Rio served as a first-run movie house until it closed in the 1960s. It currently houses a furniture store.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
The Rio was listed in the 1963 motion picture almanac as a Detroit Theater Enterprises house, along with the Hollywood and Roxy in Detroit, the Lucon in East Lansing and the Van Dyke Drive-in in Warren, MI.
A photo of the furniture store can be seen here.
Thru 1945 the Rio was owned by Cohen, Ben & Low Theatres, from 1950 until closing operated by Detroit Theatres.
According to a comment in Lost Memory’s Link, some of the interior decor still remains although the floor has been (understandably) leveled.
Also, the furniture store has closed; now it is occupied by Grand Ahorro-Mega Savings
My parents first met there! My mom was ticket girl. I would like to get what ever pictures are out there of front of building including ticket booth. I cant find but 1 Please email any old pictures to Thank You