COVID-19 Threatens To Shutdown Nearly Century-Old Denver Business

DENVER, CO—The owner of a nearly century-old business in Denver is fighting to keep the business afloat after taking a financial pounding from the coronavirus pandemic. Lake Steam Baths has survived the Great Depression, several wars and recessions. Now the second oldest Russian bathhouse in the United States is trying to survive COVID-19.

"The pandemic forced us to close completely for over a month, and current operations are at only three percent of capacity. Due to government restrictions, we are now only able to offer massages," said Amy Hyman, the owner of Lake Steam Baths.

Hyman, took over the traditional Russian Turkish bathhouse in 2015 following the death of her husband, whose parents, Harry and Ethyl Hyman, started the business in 1927. According to Amy, the couple fled wartime Russia seeking a better life. When they arrived in Denver, they decided they wanted to open a business that would share their culture of the community bath house.

"They knew Denver residents would enjoy the amazing health benefits of eucalyptus steam and sauna," she said. "It is a local treasure, bringing together people from all walks of life."

Determined to keep the family business going, Amy recently turned to the community for help by launching a GoFundMe page. She hopes to raise $60,000.

"We are in dire straits and do not want to lose our 93-year-old, 4th generation family-operated community business," Amy posted on the page. "While our income has plunged, the bills have not. We still have to pay substantial taxes and utilities, and we are doing our best to keep some of our non-massage employees paid and working despite the reduction in revenue."

According to the owner, as a show of appreciation, donations in any amount will make donors eligible for a "free GoFundMe day" once the baths are able to reopen. As of Thursday, Amy has raised more than $9,000 on the fundraising platform. To make a donation, click here.

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