Hot Springs Central Avenue Historical District

The Hot Springs Central Avenue Historical District, stretching from 205 Park Avenue to 702 Central Avenue, is a captivating journey through time. This district showcases some of Arkansas's finest historic buildings, constructed between 1886 and 1930, mirroring the city's evolution into a renowned resort destination. Central Avenue has traditionally been the commercial heart of Hot Springs. Facing Bathhouse Row, the avenue's stores, hotels, offices, and restaurants catered to both locals and tourists, driving the city's booming trade. The thoroughfare, originally named Valley Street, has been the hub of commerce since the early settlement around the thermal springs. Between 1892 and 1923, elaborate spa buildings were erected along Bathhouse Row. These magnificent bathhouses, including the Buckstaff, Fordyce, Hale, Lamar, Maurice, Ozark, Quapaw, and Superior, spurred the development of nearby hotels, restaurants, shops, and theaters to support the thriving tourist industry. Today, some bathhouses have been repurposed into restaurants and shops, while others still offer authentic thermal bath experiences. The district also features notable landmarks such as the Arlington Hotel, dating back to 1875, and the neoclassical Thomson Building. The DeSoto Mineral Springs Building, built in 1915, houses the administrative offices and visitor center for the Mountain Valley Spring Water Co., which has bottled spring water in Hot Springs since 1871. Visitors can explore attractions like the Gangster Museum of America, the Ohio Club (Arkansas' oldest bar), and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic views. The district hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating art, music, and the city's rich heritage.