The Stanley Chocolate Factory

Transforming a historic landmark into a one-of-a-kind destination for craftsmanship, hospitality, and community.

Saunders completed the adaptive reuse of the historic Stanley Chocolate Factory, reimagining one of Estes Park’s most recognizable buildings as a vibrant mixed-use destination that celebrates the community’s history while creating a new experience for residents and visitors alike.

Originally constructed in 1909 as Estes Park’s first church, the building has served a variety of roles throughout its history, including a place of worship, community gathering space, and retail destination. The renovation transformed the structure into a unique hospitality, retail, entertainment, and culinary venue anchored by a working chocolate factory and immersive visitor experience.

Today, the building includes chocolate production facilities, a hands-on chocolate kitchen, tasting rooms, a whiskey vault for curated tastings and private events, boutique retail spaces, rooftop patios with mountain views, and flexible event venues. The project preserves the character of the historic structure while adapting it to meet modern operational and visitor needs.

One of the project’s most complex challenges involved working within the existing building and its multiple historic additions dating to 1929 and 1955. To achieve the desired program layout, the team executed significant structural modifications, including raising the western second floor to align with the eastern third floor. This effort required extensive structural reinforcement, precise sequencing, and close coordination to maintain building stability while creating larger, more functional spaces, including a central atrium and higher ceilings.

The project also incorporated numerous reclaimed and historic materials, adding another layer of craftsmanship and coordination. Salvaged woodwork, antique doors, and restored architectural elements — including casework originally installed in a 1904 Brooklyn pharmacy—were carefully restored, evaluated, and integrated into the finished space. The result is a destination that honors the building’s rich history while creating a new chapter for one of Estes Park’s most iconic landmarks.