Lake Steam Baths, Denver’s century-old nude bathhouse, will get a facelift under new ownership

Cruising down West Colfax Avenue in Denver, it’s easy to speed past an inconspicuous red-brick building with a vintage neon sign marking the spot as “Lake Steam Baths Sauna.”

But the Russian and Turkish bathhouse, operating since 1927, caters to a bevy of regular clients and curious newcomers. With remodeling plans underway, the new owners of the clothing-optional spa hope to attract even more patrons.

Owner Tyler Weston described himself as a longtime patron before purchasing the spa at 3540 W. Colfax Ave. for $2 million last October with co-owner Scott Kilkenny. The property — still open to the public — is undergoing a moderate remodeling to clean it up and fix dilapidated structures, Weston said.

Jenn McDuffie, Weston’s sister, manages Lake Steam Baths. Aestheticians, acupuncturists, barbers and other service providers could be part of a possible expansion to make the spa “a one-stop shop,” she said.

In the coming years, even more could be in store for the site. McDuffie outlined one option: redeveloping the building, with the bathhouse rebuilt at the bottom and a hotel on top. The spa would be split into male and female wings, so all patrons can access it seven days a week, she said.

But “there’s a lot of stuff that has to happen” before that decision is made, McDuffie said, adding that they’re in the process of designing plans. As for the bathhouse’s future, “we have no intentions of it going away.”

The modernized front entry, complete with new furniture and artwork, is evidence of the current renovations. A few signs hang around the facility with a request: “Pardon our remodel mess! Good things come to those who wait!”

The owners plan to keep all of the employees, Weston said.

Last year, their business acquisition made waves in the community because the buyer was listed as Boom Car Wash LLC. That LLC was “leftover from another deal” that didn’t pan out, but “it has nothing to do with becoming a car wash ever. That’s not in the cards at all,” Weston said.

Keeping Lake Steam Baths in operation means continuing a legacy that spans almost a century. Harry and Ethyl Hyman first opened the West Colfax spa to serve Russian and Jewish immigrants. At one point, patrons could use an on-site mikveh, or Jewish ritual bath.

The spa remained in the same family for decades, with Amy Hyman taking the reins in 2015. Mandated closures and capacity limits during the coronavirus pandemic put the business under pressure, forcing her to eventually sell.