Central Block 114-120 Colorado Ave.

The Central Block was designed and completed in 1890 presumably designed by Pueblo architect Patrick P. Mills. The building comprises four one-block units constructed under separate ownership with a unified symmetrical design. There were storefronts on the first floor and office space on the second floor. Constructed of rusticated limestone blocks with an ornate brick facade and metal cornice. The buildings four units have been remodeled multiple times, starting in 1893 with a one-story tin shop and warehouse being added in the rear of the building. These additions have since been removed. By 1919, a two-story brick addition was added to the rear. 

The Central Block was built for a group of La Junta civic leaders and entrepreneurs that included lumber dealer James McNeen, Otero County Judge and hardware dealer Charles W. Bomgardner, La Junta postmaster Thomas J. Howard, physician Dr. Frank Finney, and local architect and builder William H. Robinson. Many of these investors sold their interest in the building relatively quickly. 

The Central Block has had multiple different occupants over the years. They included the La Junta Post Office and J.W. Fisher's stationery and book store, the Bomgardner and O'Neil Hardware Company, C.F. Kendall's dry goods store, and George P. Emerton's Palace Drug Store. Many businesses and groups during the 1900s, occupied the space briefly, including the local Republican headquarters, doctors, dentists, opticians, chiropractors, general contractors, real estate businesses, credit clearinghouse, dressmaking business and many others.

The Colorado Telephone Company leased space with plans to establish a local telephone exchange in La Junta. The plan included a resident agent of the company and two "hello girls" that would be employed by the office. The company began soliciting subscribers to their service and were met with "flattering success." Subscribers to the service enjoyed free calls with subscribers in La Junta as well as Rocky Ford. By 1903, the telephone exchange was "booming" and employed twenty-two operators and "a large force of trouble men' and inspectors." The  Central Block was also the new lodge for the Otero Lodge Number 4343 of the United Colored Odd Fellows of America.

In the 1970s, Pottie's City Diner occupied the storefront and would later open a second location at 120 Santa Fe Avenue. Today, the building is still being used for a restaurant, office space, bar and apartments.