San Juan Capistrano, California

River Street Marketplace

Situated in the heart of San Juan Capistrano’s historic Los Rios District, River Street Marketplace is a destination deeply rooted in the region’s rich past. As the oldest neighborhood in California, Los Rios carries a legacy that dates back to the founding of Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776. Drawing inspiration from the site’s agricultural history, the marketplace was designed as a charming campus of boutique retail and restaurants that blend heritage with modern experiences.

Markets

Retail

Services

Client

Almquist Development

CONCEPT ARCHITECTURE

RSM Design was brought on early in the project to help develop the concept architecture for The River Street Marketplace. Collaborating directly with key stakeholders, RSM helped shape the site’s overall vision, drawing from the area’s agricultural roots and historic context. This early involvement allowed the team to influence the character and storytelling elements embedded throughout the site.

A MODERN TWIST ON SAN JUAN’S ROOTS

RSM Design played a key role in shaping both the experience and visual identity of River Street Marketplace, ensuring that the spirit of the site remained at the forefront. The team crafted a branding and wayfinding system that included playful identity marks for each of the seven buildings, reinforcing the character of the space and providing a strong sense of place rooted in the area’s history. Working closely with local historians, the team also created murals and educational signage that highlight the cultural significance of the Los Rios District—creating meaningful touchpoints that invite exploration inspired by the area’s rich heritage.

NAVIGATING A CURATED RETAIL EXPERIENCE

The signage around River Street Marketplace was designed to support a curated retail experience, with thoughtful attention to tenant design and placement. Each retail tenant was handpicked to reflect the spirit and character of River Street, and RSM Design partnered closely in this process—tailoring signage to individual tenants while tying each element back to the overarching brand. The result is a layered, intuitive experience that feels both personalized and connected to the historic fabric of the site.

RODEO RIVER STREET

A walk down the pathway to Rodeo River Street is met with touches of history—interpretive signage and architectural cues that nod to San Juan Capistrano’s agricultural roots. At the heart of the space stands a big red barn, framed by fire pits, picnic tables, and a signature water tower that anchors the setting. RSM Design worked closely with the project team to extend the River Street brand into this food-focused destination, developing signage and environmental graphics that reflect Rodeo’s laid-back, ranch-inspired character. Each food vendor’s identity was thoughtfully integrated, contributing to a curated culinary experience that feels authentic, diverse, and uniquely local.

PAST-INSPIRED, PRESENT-FOCUSED

River Street Marketplace is a new chapter inspired by the area’s storied past. While looking ahead, it preserves the local history through thoughtful design and storytelling. The result is a destination that feels grounded in place and shaped for today’s community. Visitors are drawn to the open-air setting, where grassy spaces and outdoor seating invite moments of play, connection, and pause.

Collaborators:

Bickel Group, SWA Group