ESTES PARK ~ ESTES PARK - The groundbreaking ceremony for the Stanley Event Center and Blumhouse Space was held today, with Governor Jared Polis, Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall, and other local leaders in attendance. The event marks the beginning of a three-year project to preserve, expand, and improve the historic Stanley Hotel campus.

The $60 million arts and culture destination is a joint effort between the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority (CECFA) and the Stanley Partnership for Art Culture and Education, LLC. The first phase of the project will be the construction of the Stanley Event Center, which will serve as a year-round hub for film, art, and community. The center will also feature 10,000+ square feet of exhibit space dedicated to honoring the horror genre.

The iconic Stanley Hotel, known as the inspiration for Stephen King's novel "The Shining" and a popular destination for horror film enthusiasts from around the world, will house the new event center. Governor Polis expressed his pride in Colorado's booming film industry and its contribution to the state's economy.

"Colorado's artistic culture, strong workforce, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes are skyrocketing us to the best state to work in the film industry," said Governor Polis. "We are proud of our booming film industry and the incredible art it creates. That's why the state has doubled down on our investment into this important sector."

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Jason Blum, Founder and CEO of Blumhouse Productions, also spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony. He shared his excitement about building a world-class exhibit space for horror fans at the iconic Stanley Hotel.

"I started Blumhouse 15 years ago because I love to build," said Blum. "And I've been thinking a lot about how we will build out this Blumhouse exhibit space. Horror fans are the best fans in the world, and they deserve a world-class, must-visit destination. And horror itself deserves a rightful place at the center of culture."

Governor Polis has been a strong advocate for the film industry in Colorado. In 2024, he and the State Legislature expanded support for the industry by establishing the Film Incentive Tax Credit and funding it at $5 million per year for five years. Additionally, the Colorado State Legislature approved HB24-1005, which provides tax incentives for film festivals and is expected to support events like the Sundance Film Festival.

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) have also played a crucial role in supporting the Stanley Event Center project. In 2015, the EDC approved the center as a Regional Tourism Act project, recognizing its potential to attract out-of-state visitors, spur business growth, and create new jobs.

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"When the Economic Development Commission approved the Stanley Film Center as a Regional Tourism Act project, the state recognized its unique potential to attract new out-of-state visitors to Colorado," said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT. "We are thrilled to celebrate today's groundbreaking, an exciting milestone that brings this extraordinary project one step closer to completion and amplifies Colorado's reputation as a place where film and the arts are celebrated."

Blumhouse Productions is known for producing successful horror films such as "Halloween," "Get Out," and "Paranormal Activity." The company will curate exhibits at the Stanley Event Center featuring popular franchises from their extensive catalog of films, television shows, and games.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks an important step towards completing this highly anticipated project that will not only preserve a historic landmark but also contribute to Colorado's thriving film industry. With support from local leaders and organizations like CECFA and OEDIT, it is expected to become a must-visit destination for horror fans from around the world.

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