Spa Building

Spa Building. Manitou Bathhouse. , This is the site of Manitou Springs' birthplace. The mineral waters of the Manitou Soda Spring are historically significant, since the Cheyenne, Arapahoes, Utes, and others, regarded the springs as special, sacred places inhabited by the Great Spirit. They used the natural soda springs for both medicinal and regenerative purposes, soothing digestion and weathered skin. The Ute Pass hunting trail ended here, where all could benefit from the waters without conflict., In 1872, an Adirondack-style gazebo was built near the spring it was moved in 1885 to make way for a grander Victorian pavilion. Inside, visitors enjoyed natural soda water or mineral water lemonade, while shopping in Davis' Curio and Jewelry Store By 1916, an iron fence, light fixtures, and entry structure, later incorporated into Patsy's Candy building to the east, prevented free access to the water. The pavilion was demolished in 1920 in favor of the current building. , This three-story, Spanish Colonial Revival style building is constructed of fireproof concrete and features a fourth floor tower, red tile roof, and copper-clad storefronts. One of few facilities of its type still standing, bath house expert John Fordyce supervised its construction and fitting-out as a modern mineral water treatment center. Investors hoped it would salvage Manitou Springs' dwindling health resort market. , The first floor held small shops, the second baths and treatment rooms, and the third floor had overnight accommodations. The Manitou Soda Spring is central in the first floor rotunda. The second and third floors were used residentially starting in the 1960s. , The building was vacated in 1999 due to disrepair. In 2000, the Spa Building was designated on Colorado Preservation, Inc in Most Endangered Places list and the National Trust's Save America's Treasures program., The Spa Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.