How a Drive-In Movie Theater’s Encore Could Help Revitalize the San Luis Valley

“The Frontier will be a hub for stage performances and art installations, among other cultural events... “We see the restoration as a way for residents of the larger cities on the Front Range to become better connected to the lifestyle of our rural fellow citizens,” On-site yurts and cabins will encourage visiting urbanites to stay longer....”

Colorado’s Overlooked San Luis Valley Offers Scenic Desert With Artistic Flair

“Fifteen miles north of Del Norte, an experimental project...is transforming an old drive-in movie theater into an arts-and-culture destination called Frontier. Ten plush yurts and four hotel rooms inside a retrofitted SteelMaster shed are expected by summer. Other facilities will include 3D-printed-adobe spa buildings and observatories by architects Rael San Fratello, known for conceptual projects like  the cultural programming will include screenings, performances, and regenerative food gatherings.”

Revitalized Frontier Drive In will showcase art and the Valley

“One of the things that Mark and the family bring to the table is their great experience, not only development, but in hospitality,” Gildar said. “They’ve done a great job of bringing some really wonderful buildings to the site and accommodations for people so that this is now a drive-in with two n’s (inn), where you’re staying overnight and people will come in and this will be a destination or gateway into the Valley.”

Frontier Drive-In revitalization brings new building techniques to Center

“As you drive up to the Frontier, the first thing that catches the eye is the restored Frontier Drive-In's neon sign. This piece of history has been preserved, along with the huge movie screen and the original snack bar building. All the other structures on the property are new construction, which includes Quonset-style buildings, yurts and the addition of 3D printed adobe structures. Artist Ron Rael designed the adobe structures and 3D printing software, along with his team at Emerging Objects.”

Projecting the Future of the Frontier Drive-In

“The most vibrant and apparent improvement to the grounds has been the return of the original sign, which was restored by Morry’s Neon Signs, also of Denver. Morry’s is a third-generation family owned and operated business.”