The Stanley Chocolate Factory Renovation Project Includes a Chocolate Kitchen, Allowing You to Make Your Own Chocolate Bars
COMING SOON: The chocolate kitchen on Level 3 at the Stanley Chocolate Factory in Estes Park will be a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled space where visitors can create their own custom candy bars.
Worktables are set inside the chocolate kitchen for interactive classes led by guest chocolatiers from around the world. Guests will get to choose ingredients like coconut, nuts, milk or dark chocolate to craft a treat that’s uniquely theirs.
The Stanley Chocolate Factory building once stood as Estes Park's first church, built in 1909.
What began as Estes Park’s first church in 1909 is now a vibrant community destination: the Stanley Chocolate Factory. This transformative renovation gives new life to a beloved local building, blending historic character with modern experiences for both visitors and residents.
Located at 157 West Elkhorn Avenue, the building originally served as the home of the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. It remained a place of worship through much of the 20th century, with additions built in 1929 and 1955 to accommodate a growing congregation. In 1982, it was repurposed into a boutique shopping mall called the Old Church Shops. Today, it has been reimagined as a mixed-use attraction that includes a chocolate factory, tasting room, retail space, whiskey vault, and two rooftop patios with sweeping mountain views.
All About the Chocolate Factory's Design and Renovation
The renovation carefully preserves the building’s historic identity while introducing bold new programming. The exterior has been restored to reflect its original character with white-painted wood lap siding and a red roof, creating a strong visual connection to the architectural language of the Stanley Hotel nearby. Interior details such as salvaged woodwork, antique doors, and church pew seating reinforce the building’s historic significance, while new features bring a contemporary sense of warmth and hospitality.
One of the most impactful design moves was raising the western second floor to match the height of the eastern third floor. This design enabled higher ceilings in the retail space and created room for a striking central stair that spirals upward, seamlessly connecting all floors through a dramatic central atrium. A newly added stair tower on the north side of the building was inspired by the original bell tower and enhances the Cleave Street façade.
The Stanley Chocolate Factory is now a standout destination in downtown Estes Park. Guests can explore the chocolate-making process, sample treats, or relax in the tasting room or on the rooftop. At the same time, locals gain a comfortable and welcoming place to enjoy the views and connect with the town’s history. This project celebrates the legacy of one of Estes Park’s most iconic buildings while setting the stage for its next century of use.
The Stanley Chocolate Factory Project Team: Saunders Construction, Fortis Structural, LLC, Thompson Engineering Inc, AE Design
