Opera House Block 215-223 Colorado Ave.

The Opera House Block was constructed in 1914, along with the Rourke Theater, after the original buildings on the lots burned after being struck by lightening. The building was designed as a two-story, rectangular plan brick building with five storefronts facing Colorado Avenue and residential apartments above. The building would be seperated from the theater by an alleyway to provide easier egress in case of fire. 

Architect George W. Roe from Pueblo was responsible for the final design of the Opera House Block and the adjacent Rourke Theater. The Rourke Theater was built first and the Opera House Block was second. 

A branch of the Andrews & Lagerquist drug store occupied the corner storefront. Moore's Barber Shop, owned by J.W. Moore and P.B. Hahs, moved into the storefront directly south of the pharmacy. The barber shop consisted of a three-chair combination wall case of golden oad with solid plate glass mirrors, surmounting a marble stand equipped with individual marble wash basins.

Between the two storefronts, an arched opening led to a hallway and the stairs leading to the second-floor apartments. The hallway lead to the rear of the building and provided access to the theater building from Colorado Avenue. 

The Opera House Block businesses include the Simons Clothing Company, the Opera House Cafeteria, York's Royal Blue Store, and the La Junta Music Co. 

The second-floor apartments, included Mr. and Mrs. George Babcock, Dr. Jean McNeil, perhaps La Junta's first female doctor, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Milliken and Mr. and Mrs. G.K. Johnson. Tenants of the apartments were mostly married couples who lived in the building for a relatively short time. 

In March 1928, F.W. Woolworth Co. store opened in the building. Woolworth was one of the first American five-and-dime stores, that would grow into one of the largest retail chains in the world. The Woolworth store remained in the Opera House Block building until 1965 when it relocted to the southwest corner of Colorado Avenue and West 3rd Street. 

The building has been remodled multiple times over the years and currenty comprises commercial businesses on the bottom storefront with six apartments on the second floor.