EPP REGIONAL DIVISIONS: NORTHEAST

Brush: Central Platoon School

Genoa: World’s View Wonder Tower

Hugo: Hugo Roundhouse

Kit Carson: Union Pacific Pumphouse

Snyder: Antelope Springs Church

Listed: 2012

Constructed: 1928 with mid-20th century addition

Threat: Demolition by neglect; vacant since 1997

Closest Town to Resource: Brush

Significance: Designed by noted architect Frederick Mountjoy (Rocky Mountain Bank Note Co. Building, Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction, Del Norte High School, etc.), the nearly 50,000 square foot Central Platoon School is a prominent and beautiful architectural landmark situated on an entire city block in downtown Brush. Constructed in 1928, the school was designed for the platoon educational system that emphasized a curriculum focused on activity-based learning and featured multiple teachers per class. The building continued as a school until the late 1990s when it closed The Town of Brush has since become an official Colorado Main Street community, and many see the successful rehabilitation of Central School as a key piece to the town’s economic development.

Site Needs: Continue the relationship with the new owner and help determine new use.

Update: The building has been assessed to analyze its stability and potential reuse. In 2018, the school district conveyed the property to the Brush Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is seeking to secure the building and has issued an RFP for adaptive reuse proposals for rehabilitation. A local developer has since purchased the site and is developing affordable housing.