From Staff Reports

The City of Asheville held a celebratory “toilet paper” ribbon-cutting for the new Downtown Loo on Nov. 21, the city stated in a news release posted on Nov. 20, 

“The facility will be open in time for the Asheville Holiday Jamboree on Saturday, Nov. 23 and Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 30,” the release added.

Generally speaking, the release stated that “the City of Asheville is excited to announce the opening of a 24/7 accessible public restroom in the heart of downtown.

“Located in the public space at the corner of College Street and Rankin Avenue, the prefabricated facility is designed to enhance downtown amenities, promote public health, and support economic activity – all of which are especially important in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.”

What’s more, the release noted, “The Downtown Loo project was funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds and features a modern, durable design that prioritizes safety, accessibility and maintainability. Key features include:

• 24/7 Access: Ensuring a public restroom facility open to residents and visitors around the clock.

• ADA Accessibility: Designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

• Optimal Location: Proximity to center of downtown activity and adjacent to the Rankin Parking Garage allowing for increased public safety measures.

• Robust Design: Built to withstand heavy use and minimize maintenance costs.

Additional investments in the surrounding public space include a new irrigation system and landscaping, new lighting, and the installation of security cameras. 

Further, the release stated, “The City of Asheville would like to thank the many stakeholders who contributed to the planning and development of this project, including downtown businesses, homelessness service providers, residents, the Downtown Commission, and the Asheville Downtown Association, as well as the project team from B. Allen Construction and Osgood Landscape Architecture...

“The facility will be maintained by Asheville Parks and Recreation Department staff, who will stock and clean the bathroom twice daily. The walls are made of heavy-gauge stainless steel that is graffiti-resistant, easy to clean, and resistant to vandalism. The public can submit issues using the Asheville App.

Also, the release noted, “The facility itself is designed with safety in mind... Angled grates in the restroom wall allow for emergency and maintenance personnel to assess active use of the facility without compromising privacy for the occupant. 

“A motion sensor light makes it easier to tell if someone is inside the Loo. The interior lights are blue, which may be mistaken for a fancy feature, but the color is meant to deter intravenous drug use — the blue hue makes it difficult to find blood veins.

“The bathroom also has exterior blue lights that are programmed to remain on when it’s dark outside.

“The city has taken measures to supplement security by installing security cameras and additional lighting on-site for extra visibility. Emergency personnel will have a key to access the restroom in emergency situations,” the city release stated.