Jason Blum Loses His Head as Stanley Hotel Unveils Chilling New Chapter
- spideylover25
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
The Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority (CECFA) and its subsidiary the Stanley Partnership for Art Culture and Education, LLC (the Stanley Partnership) today announced the groundbreaking of the Stanley Event Center, a $60 million arts and culture destination that is the first phase of a three year project to preserve, expand, and improve the historic Stanley Hotel campus into a year-round hub for film, art, and community. Scheduled to open in late 2028, the Stanley Event Center marks a major milestone in the evolution of one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks.
Since first opening its doors in 1909, the Stanley Hotel has stood as a symbol of Colorado’s pioneering spirit, hosting presidents, performers, and travelers from around the world. Famously, it also inspired Stephen King’s 'The Shining', cementing its place in global pop culture. Its role as a cultural touchstone has endured for more than a century, and this next chapter ensures that legacy will continue.
The new 70,000-square-foot Stanley Event Center and Blumhouse Space will feature a world-class 1,000-seat theater designed to host film premieres, concerts, and community events. The event center will serve as a cultural anchor with immersive exhibits, rotating festivals, and creative programming. At its heart will be the Blumhouse Space, an innovative horror film museum space curated by Blumhouse, showcasing artifacts, interactive storytelling, and behind-the-scenes curiosities from some of the most influential films in the genre. Together, these elements will establish the Stanley Film Center as a destination that celebrates film, art, and culture on a year-round basis.
Later this year, construction will begin to add 64 new luxury rooms and suites that expand the hotel’s capacity while offering elevated accommodations. The project will also add a dramatic new lobby and port cochere that will greatly enhance the guest arrival experience. The Stanley Hotel will remain open throughout construction, welcoming guests to enjoy its historic charm and modern amenities without interruption.
Morris Price, CECFA Chair, explained CECFA’s role in and benefits from this project: “As a public entity, CECFA’s ownership of the Stanley Hotel will guarantee preservation and public ownership of this Colorado treasure. Just as importantly, CECFA’s participation will generate many tens of millions of dollars that CECFA and the Stanley Partnership can direct towards Colorado’s cultural and educational sectors.”
Mark Heller, Executive Director of CECFA, added: “The $400 million in mostly private investment to purchase this property and fund these improvements will catalyze a new arts-centric evolution of one of Colorado’s most storied properties.”
The Stanley Film Center is also funded by a $46 million Colorado State Regional Tourism Act award and a $1 million grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) based on the anticipated new economic activity that this project will bring to the region and state.
“Colorado’s artistic culture, strong workforce, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes are skyrocketing us to the best state to work in the film industry. 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. This new space will continue to drive horror film buffs from across the world to the Stanley Hotel and Estes Park, supporting our growing film workforce and economy,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“The groundbreaking of the Stanley Film Center signals a bright future for the Stanley Hotel,” said Walter Isenberg, CEO of Sage Hospitality Group. “From FO Stanley’s original vision in 1904 to this new chapter, the property continues to evolve as a world-class destination rooted in hospitality, culture, and creativity. Guests will discover an experience that blends the hotel’s historic character with new opportunities to connect through film, art, and unforgettable programming.”
Jason Blum, Founder and CEO of Blumhouse, added: "I started Blumhouse 15 years ago because I love to build. 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. We plan to celebrate the art and icons of horror, including key filmmakers, stars and the amazing cinematic villains who’ve terrified us over the years. And there’s no better place to do it than the iconic Stanley Hotel."
