Quapawbaths

Quapaw Bathhouse in Hot Springs, Arkansas

OWNERSHIP
The Quapaw Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, is being rehabilitated and will
be operated as Quapaw Baths and Spa by a company with a passion for preserving historic structures. The company
is owned by local businessman and experienced commercial developer Don Harper, award-winning architects
Anthony Taylor and Robert Kempkes and New York businessman Steve Strauss. A 55 year lease was signed on
April 10, 2007, between the National Park Service and Quapaw Baths, LLC.
HISTORY
Hot Springs National Park was the first reservation of land for public use by the U. S. Government and in April,
2007, celebrated its 175th anniversary. Bathhouses started becoming a part of the growing Hot Springs landscape in
the early 1800s and the government saw the need to protect the thermal waters for future generations. By the 1880s
the bathhouses in Hot Springs rivaled those in the spas of Europe. The Quapaw was completed in 1922 as the
moderately priced bathhouse with none of the extras such as beauty parlors. Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National
Park was named a National Historic Landmark in 1974. The Quapaw was last operated by Health Services, Inc. in
1984.
FEATURES
The Quapaw Bathhouse is a Spanish Colonial Revival style building of masonry and reinforced concrete finished
with stucco. The most impressive exterior feature is the large central dome covered with brilliantly colored mosaic
tiles and capped with a small copper cupola. Directly above the entrance is a cartouche with a carved Indian head
set into the decorative double-curved parapet. The Indian motif, found throughout the building, was used to
reinforce a legend, which claimed that the Indians had discovered the magical healing powers of the spring and cave
now housed in the buildings basement. The interior of the building contains approximately 24,000 square feet.
PRESERVATION
The interior renovation will reflect the developers commitment to the preservation of the facility for its historically
intended use while providing 21st century features and accommodations. The completed project is expected to
receive the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
SERVICES
Quapaw Baths will provide affordable access to the famous Hot Springs thermal waters as the only local spa facility
with communal bathing.
• Large capacity public hot water pools with fountains and whirlpools
• Semi-private tub area
• Day spa with massage and beauty treatments
• Catering kitchen and reception room available for private functions
• Healthy snacks and juices
• Specialty gift shop
• Steam cave sauna with cool plunge pool and mud baths (future)

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