Muses letting go of Hale lease

The Muses Creative Artistry Project has withdrawn its proposal to lease the Hale Bathhouse from the National Park Service (NPS) and convert it into a cultural arts center, after fund raising efforts did not yield the necessary capital.
After a 14-month effort, The Muses’ Board of Directors has concluded that a long-term lease is no longer a financially viable option. 

The Muses Creative Artistry Project is a non-profit performing, creativity, and healing arts company with a mission to preserve the classical arts through education and performance.

The Muses has operated a café, bookstore and performance space in the lobby of the historic building under a commercial use authorization (CUA), issued in March 2011 from the NPS. A year later, the NPS issued The Muses a letter of intent to negotiate after selecting their proposal for the Hale Bathhouse as a good fit for Hot Springs National Park and Bathhouse Row.

“We’ve enjoyed our two years at the Hale, while pursuing the goal of restoring and repurposing it for public benefit as a cultural arts center,” said Deleen Davidson, Muses general director. “We appreciate the guidance, support and encouragement of Hot Springs National Park Superintendent Josie Fernandez as we negotiated in good faith. However, our fund raising fell short of the endowment needed to cover monthly operational costs, leaving us with no choice but to pursue other alternatives.”

“The magnificent architecture and inherent beauty of all the historic bathhouse buildings represent a unique treasure to the entire state of Arkansas,” said Muses board president James Carney. “Superintendent Fernandez’ efforts to restore and repurpose each one through the bathhouse leasing program have been a vital factor in revitalizing downtown Hot Springs.”

“We are disappointed by The Muses’ decision but understand that in order for their non-profit operations to be successful, an endowment was necessary,” said Fernandez. At their request, the CUA will also terminate at the end of June.