Dressed as Willy Wonka, Mayor Gary Hall joined Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally in a crane cage Saturday morning for a ride to the rooftop of the future home of The Stanley Chocolate Factory Carousel. There, the pair planted a flag marking another construction milestone as Memorial Day weekend got underway. The carousel is expected to open before Labor Day.
Before stepping into the cage, the two elected officials were fitted with safety harnesses and secured to a protective rope system. George Parra, a certified crane operator and master carpenter with Phillips Carpentry, operated the crane, lifting the cage to the rooftop of the multimillion-dollar project on the west end of Elkhorn Avenue. Two workers on the ground used guide ropes to keep the cage from swinging into the side of the eight-sided glass building.
The building is not yet complete, but Estes Park builder Mark Westover — founder and owner of Westover Construction and the project’s principal contractor — said construction remains on schedule.
If work continues as planned, the carousel is expected to be delivered July 15, with construction completed by Aug. 15. Following state inspections, the attraction is expected to begin operating before Labor Day.
“There are massive amounts of concrete and steel that went into this foundation,” Westover said. “I think there’s more rebar in the foundation than there is concrete. I’m not kidding. It was unbelievable.”
The octagon-shaped structure echoes the architecture of The Stanley Hotel, an Estes Park landmark since built by F.O. Stanley in 1909. When the crowning cupola is installed, the building will become the tallest structure in Estes Park.
Last fall, when the Haber Building was demolished to make way for the carousel project, crews discovered the old triple storefront on Elkhorn Avenue lacked a proper foundation. During demolition, workers also uncovered extensive fire damage dating back to a 70-year-old gas explosion.
The structure, originally known as the Higby Building, once housed the dental office of Estes Park dentist Hayde Crowell. On April 9, 1955, an explosion blew out windows, ripped away ceiling coverings, damaged walls, and destroyed part of the building’s west wall.
Although the structure was cosmetically repaired so the dental office could quickly reopen, hidden structural damage remained concealed for decades until demolition crews uncovered charred beams and compromised supports during teardown last fall.
Construction on the carousel building began in January after the lot was cleared.
Features of the carousel
The 28-foot carousel is being manufactured by the Chance Manufacturing Company, a longtime manufacturer of amusement rides and roller coasters based in Wichita, Kansas. The carousel will feature 18 fiberglass menagerie figures, two chariot-style benches, and be fully ADA accessible.
Early in the planning process, John Cullen, owner of The Stanley Chocolate Factory, explored purchasing a vintage carousel. However, the upkeep and mechanical demands associated with antique amusement rides often lead to costly maintenance issues and operational downtime.
Instead, Cullen selected a modern carousel designed to capture the nostalgic charm of a classic ride while incorporating updated engineering and low-maintenance technology.
Unlike traditional carousel figures hand-carved from wood — and later aluminum figures — the animals on The Stanley Chocolate Factory Carousel are crafted from fiberglass, a more durable material resistant to cracking, dents, and wear. The animals and decorative elements will be hand-painted by artisans and sealed with a high-gloss protective coating that guards against scuffs and scratches while preserving vibrant colors.
The carousel will operate with an alternating-current variable-speed drive system designed to provide a smoother, more energy-efficient ride while reducing long-term maintenance demands. The ride also uses greaseless bearings, eliminating the risk of oil drips that can create maintenance and safety concerns on older carousel systems.
The attraction will feature LED lighting designed to reduce energy use while enhancing the carousel’s appearance.
Before riders can board the carousel, the attraction must pass a final safety inspection. Amusement rides in the United States are regulated through a combination of federal, state, and local laws. In Colorado, rides are inspected annually by private, state-certified third-party inspectors under the oversight of the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety.
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