Iconic Historic Building to be Torn Down in Hot Springs, Arkansas

A significant piece of Hot Springs, Arkansas history is about to go down in a pile of rubble soon.

The iconic old St. Joseph Hospital which has been a part of Hot Springs for years is expected to be demolished, according to THV11. Several years ago the hospital was being used as the Arkansas School of Math, Sciences, and the Arts building.

Since then new buildings and facilities have been built however city officials felt restoring the building would not be cost-effective considering what shape it was in now. The decision to demolish the building has been in the works for a long time. Bidding for the demolition project will begin in late 2025.

The hospital was closed in the 1980s, while the Arkansas school redeveloped the property years later for classrooms, offices, and a residence hall for the campus for 15 years. Some residents are unhappy with tearing it down, but city officials say it's much more feasible and cost-effective to build something new and are already looking into doing just that.