Buckstaff Bathhouse (Hot Springs, Arkansas)

 bathhouse, Neoclassical (architecture), NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, historical building

509 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 623-2308
www.buckstaffbaths.com/

Completed in 1912, the Buckstaff Baths is the only remaining bathhouse in the row still in active use. Operating under National Park Service regulations, it has a well-trained staff providing a range of services from tradition thermal mineral baths and body massages to Swedish-style full body massages. The bathing tubs are private and bathing suits are optional, although visitors may cover themselves between the bathing stations.

The cream-coloured brick building is neoclassical in style with the base, spandrels, friezes, cornices, and the parapet finished in white stucco. The entrance is divided into seven bays by engaged columns, with a pavilion on each end.

Friezes above the two-story doric columns have medallions (paterae) that frame the brass lettered words "BUCKSTAFF BATHS" centered above the entrance. Brass handrails border the ramp that leads up to the brass-covered and glazed wood frame entrance doors. First-floor windows are arched; second-floor windows are rectangular. Those on the third floor are small rectangular windows, with classical urns between them above the cornice that finish the columns. The first floor of the building contains the lobby and men's facilities. Women's facilities are on the second floor. The third floor is a common space containing reading and writing rooms and access to the rooftop sun porches at the north and south ends of the building.