COLORADO OFFICE
414 14th St. Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 308-1190
WYOMING OFFICE
259 South Center St. Suite 206
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 268-9890
Stanley Chocolate Factory
Estes Park,
Colorado
Reviving a Landmark on Elkhorn Avenue
What began as Estes Park’s first church in 1909 has been thoughtfully transformed into the Stanley Chocolate Factory—a vibrant mixed-use destination that blends rich history with modern experience. Located at 157 West Elkhorn Avenue, the building now houses a chocolate factory, tasting room, retail space, whiskey vault, and two rooftop patios offering panoramic mountain views. Through careful restoration and bold adaptive reuse, this once-neglected local landmark has become a new favorite for both residents and visitors.
Size
24,752 SF
Scope
- Adaptive Reuse
Eileen Gehlhausen
Associate | Project Architect
MOA ARCHITECTURE
“The Old Church Shops was an important building with a long history in Estes Park; however, it was in need of ADA and fire safety upgrades and was ready for a new chapter. Although a small building, this was one of the most challenging projects I have worked on because of its complexity; I spent many hours taking as-built measurements, modeling the existing building, and trying to figure out how to fit in all the new amenity space the owner wanted. You wouldn't know it from the outside, but there are nine different floor levels in that building, including two new roof top decks, and all new stairs connecting them. The owner was very involved during construction, and our team was always ready to react to changes and additions to bring his vision to life. I am so proud of the transformation, and I hope residents and visitors of Estes Park enjoy the new space.”
Reimagining Form Without Erasing History
Originally home to the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, the building evolved over the years, from church to boutique shopping mall in the 1980s. The current renovation honors that legacy while reimagining the space for new generations. Historic details—like white lap siding, a red roof, antique doors, and salvaged pews—were preserved or restored to reflect the building’s origins. Modern interventions, such as a spiral central stair and a new north stair tower inspired by the former bell tower, were introduced to bring light, movement, and cohesion to the space. A key design move—raising the western second floor—enabled a dramatic interior transformation while maintaining architectural integrity.
A New Anchor for Downtown Estes Park
The Stanley Chocolate Factory now stands as a beloved destination in downtown Estes Park, offering immersive experiences around chocolate-making, tastings, and hospitality. For guests, it’s a place to explore, relax, and enjoy views of the Rockies; for locals, it’s a community anchor that thoughtfully celebrates the past while looking toward the future. The project preserves one of Estes Park’s most iconic buildings, turning it into a space where history, flavor, and community converge—a lasting landmark for the next century and beyond.