A post office, hat-making factory, hotel, restaurant, opera house, bank, bar, and telephone exchange – oh my! Nestled in the heart of Main Street in Brush, the Knearl Block and Opera House embodies the multifaceted use of buildings in Eastern Colorado communities. Since its construction in 1902, this downtown Brush building has served many purposes as a hub of social interaction, local commerce, and cultural identity.
Named after William H. “Billy” Knearl, a prominent businessman and leader in early Brush history, this Main Street building’s architecture reflects the grandeur of its era. With its intricate brickwork, tall windows, and timeless facade, the building captures the elegance of early 1900s design. The unique “Desky Hotel” sign is a rare example of the lighted blue enamel sign and one of two recorded on buildings in Colorado.
Originally a bustling hub of commerce and culture, the Knearl Block housed a mercantile store on its first floor, while the second floor became home to the famed Opera House. This space hosted lively performances, gatherings, and events, making the building the cultural heart of Brush. Over the decades, the building transitioned through various roles, from serving as a hotel—including its time as the iconic Desky Hotel and later the Cattleman’s Inn—to becoming a beloved sports bar and community meeting spot.
Today, the Knearl Block and Opera House is privately owned and operates as the Corral Sports Bar & Grill, a business that has remained in the building since December 2003. The owner has taken as many steps as possible to stabilize the building using available funds. Unfortunately, time has taken its toll on the building, rendering the upper story unusable and the south wall beginning to detach. However, the current owner continues to be dedicated to preserving the building and keeping it a vibrant community hub by providing space for large events. It recently celebrated its addition to the State Register of Historic Places.
CPI is excited to partner with the building owner, Colorado DoLA Main Street, the Brush Historic Preservation Commission, and Brush! Area Chamber of Commerce to stabilize and rehabilitate the Knearl Block and Opera House to serve as a model for preserving historic Main Streets and boosting economic vitality in small Eastern Plains communities.