I was hired by Echo Development to contribute to the preservation and storytelling of this historic space through the design of a custom logo and a system of indoor infographics. My work focused on visually interpreting the building’s rich history and cultural significance, creating signage that enhances the visitor experience while honoring the legacy of the Miller Roy Building and the Savoy Ballroom.

The Miller Roy Building is one of the most historically significant landmarks in Monroe, Louisiana, particularly within the Black community. Constructed in 1929 by Dr. Roy and Dr. Miller—a physician and dentist—the building once stood as a center of progress and opportunity on DeSiard Street in an area historically known as Five Points. The first and second floors were home to a variety of Black-owned businesses, including a pharmacy, beauty shop, boutique, and insurance office, making the building a vital hub of commerce and community life in Monroe and throughout Northeast Louisiana.

The building’s cultural impact extended beyond business. On the third floor was the Savoy Ballroom, a renowned entertainment venue and a celebrated stop on the Chitlin Circuit. The Savoy hosted legendary performers such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Fats Domino, and Lena Horne, and served as an important launching point for many artists’ careers. In recognition of its lasting influence on the region’s musical legacy, the Savoy Ballroom was honored with a marker on the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail.

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