Asheville Reporter

The City of Asheville has announced the opening of a new 24/7 accessible public restroom in downtown Asheville. The facility, located at the corner of College Street and Rankin Avenue, aims to enhance downtown amenities, promote public health, and support economic activity following Tropical Storm Helene.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Downtown Loo is scheduled for Thursday, November 21 at 11 a.m. The restroom will be operational in time for the Asheville Holiday Jamboree on Saturday, November 23, and Small Business Saturday on November 30.

The project was funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds and features a modern design focused on safety, accessibility, and maintainability. It offers round-the-clock access and ADA accessibility. Its location near downtown activities and adjacent to the Rankin Parking Garage is intended to increase public safety measures.

Additional improvements in the area include a new irrigation system, landscaping, lighting, and security cameras. The city expressed gratitude to various stakeholders involved in planning and development including businesses, homelessness service providers, residents, the Downtown Commission, the Asheville Downtown Association as well as B. Allen Construction and Osgood Landscape Architecture.

For cleanliness maintenance of the facility will be handled by Asheville Parks and Recreation Department staff who will clean it twice daily. Safety features include angled grates for emergency assessments without compromising privacy; motion sensor lights; blue interior lighting to deter drug use; exterior blue lights that remain on when dark; security cameras; additional lighting; and emergency personnel access keys.

Issues can be reported through the Asheville App or by calling 911 in emergencies. A baby changing table is available inside while an outdoor handwashing station will be winterized during colder months with hand sanitizer always provided.

Stakeholder groups such as homeless service providers advocated for this project citing long-standing needs for additional well-maintained public restrooms downtown.