A San Luis Valley Landmark Earns Statewide Recognition

In the small town of Center, one of the San Luis Valley’s most iconic landmarks is receiving well-deserved recognition. The Frontier Drive-Inn has been awarded the prestigious Preservation Edge Award by Colorado Preservation, Inc.—a major honor celebrating projects that successfully blend historic preservation with innovative reuse.

 

Originally opened in 1955, the Frontier Drive-In was once a cornerstone of community life in the valley. Families gathered under the wide-open sky to watch movies, creating memories that lasted generations. After more than 30 years in operation, the drive-in eventually closed in the 1980s and sat quiet for decades.

 

But like so many great San Luis Valley stories, the Frontier didn’t stay forgotten.

 

In recent years, the site has been thoughtfully reimagined into something entirely unique—a “drive-inn” that combines its nostalgic roots with modern creativity. Today, visitors can once again watch films on the original screen, now restored alongside the iconic neon sign. But the experience doesn’t stop there. The property has evolved into a destination featuring overnight lodging, a communal kitchen in the former snack bar, and creative accommodations that make the most of the valley’s famously dark skies.

 

This careful balance of honoring the past while embracing new ideas is exactly what the Preservation Edge Award recognizes. The Frontier Drive-Inn stands out for safeguarding a beloved roadside landmark while transforming it into a vibrant, modern gathering place that contributes to the region’s cultural identity and growing appeal.

 

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is what the Frontier represents to the San Luis Valley. It’s more than just a restored business—it’s a symbol of how history, creativity, and community can come together to breathe new life into a place that once meant so much to so many.

 

For longtime residents, it’s a reminder of evenings spent watching movies under the stars. For visitors, it’s an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of the valley. And now, with statewide recognition, the Frontier Drive-Inn stands as a shining example of what’s possible when preservation meets vision.