Asheville Unveils New 24/7 Downtown Restroom Facility to Enhance Visitor Experience

Asheville Welcomes a New Downtown Restroom Facility

Exciting news for the residents and visitors of Asheville! The city is setting the stage for convenience and comfort with the opening of a brand new, 24/7 accessible public restroom right in the bustling heart of downtown. This much-anticipated facility is located at the intersection of College Street and Rankin Avenue, promising to enhance the amenities available to all who explore our vibrant city.

A Community Celebration

Mark your calendars! There will be a fun and unique “toilet paper” ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 21, at 11 a.m. to officially open the Downtown Loo. This quirky celebration is sure to bring smiles and is perfectly timed with the upcoming Asheville Holiday Jamboree on Saturday, November 23, followed closely by Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 30.

Why This Matters

This new restroom facility isn’t just a convenience; it plays a crucial role in promoting public health and supporting local economic activity, especially as the city continues to recover from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. The Downtown Loo project has been made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, ensuring that it not only meets the needs of our community but also withstands the test of time.

Features Galore

So, what can you expect from this new public restroom? The facility comes equipped with several key features that prioritize safety, accessibility, and maintainability:

• 24/7 Access: No more worrying about searching for a restroom – this facility is open around the clock for both residents and visitors.
• ADA Accessibility: Thoughtfully designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has access to clean and safe facilities.
• Optimal Location: Perfectly situated near the ramping activity of downtown and close to the Rankin Parking Garage, boosting public safety.
• Robust Design: Built to endure heavy foot traffic, this facility aims to keep maintenance costs low while serving the community efficiently.

Enhancements in the Surrounding Area

The excitement doesn’t stop with just the restroom! The city is also investing in the surrounding public space to create an even more welcoming environment. Recent upgrades have included:

• Installation of a new irrigation system and landscaping to beautify the area.
• Upgraded lighting for improved safety and visibility.
• Security cameras to enhance the sense of safety for all visitors.

A Thank You to the Community

The City of Asheville would like to give a warm thank you to all the stakeholders involved in bringing this project to life. From downtown businesses and homelessness service providers to residents, the Downtown Commission, and the Asheville Downtown Association, your input and support have been invaluable. Special acknowledgment goes to the project team from B. Allen Construction and Osgood Landscape Architecture for their expertise in making this vision a reality.

Finding the Restroom

For those looking to locate this new restroom and other facilities in downtown Asheville, a handy map has been made available for easy navigation. Be sure to check out the City of Asheville website for more details.

As Asheville embraces this new addition, it’s clear that both residents and visitors can look forward to a more enjoyable experience in our lovely downtown area. Let’s join together in celebrating the Downtown Loo – a step forward in making Asheville even more welcoming!