The historic Chimes building in Lake Elsinore, also known as The Crescent Bathhouse is up for sale, listed at $1,199,000. The registered National Landmark, located at the corner of Spring Street and West Graham Avenue in the historic downtown area of Lake Elsinore, has stood the test of time.
Built in 1887, the two-story Victorian-era structure is one of the original buildings in the city and is steeped in history and filled with unique stories. Designed by Frank Ferris and constructed with funds from city founder Franklin Heald, the Moorish-style bathhouse utilized the nearby 132-degree hot sulfur water from nearby streams.
Visitors from all parts of the country came to the bathhouse to soothe their aching bodies. Hotel guests could choose from 10 sunken, porcelain-tiled bathtubs, mud bathing, a mineral plunge, therapy rooms, and sauna facilities.
Room and board were offered in connection with the Lakeview Inn Hotel. The luxury and convenience of the bathhouse recreation rooms, which townsfolk enjoyed for social gatherings and musical entertainment.
The building has evolved throughout the years. A swimming pool, known as the plunge, was added in the early 1900s, though it later became the site of a tragic accident when a 12-year-old boy drowned in June 1935. The pool was cemented over sometime after his death. Some believe his spirit, along with others, haunts the building.
In the 1970s, a museum room was added, showcasing Elsinore Valley artifacts collected by Lory and Wilma Watts, who owned the Chimes from 1972 to 2000.
The building has also served various functions, from a rooming house between 1945 to 1949 to an interior design business in 1949. In 1963, it became an antique shop and remained as such until the mid-2000s when the new owners converted it into a private residence. The upper floor of the 6,817 square-foot building has been remodeled into an apartment with a full bath.
Despite these changes, The Chimes remains a treasured part of Lake Elsinore’s history, and its future owner will inherit a property rich with historical significance and charm.
