Nashville to Study Need for More Public Restrooms

As downtown Nashville continues to grow, Nashville leaders are beginning a public planning process to explore where public restroom facilities could be added downtown.

The Nashville Downtown Partnership (NDP) and Pillars Development have partnered to begin a planning initiative and study related to future public restroom facilities downtown. The project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee through the 2026 Downtown Public Safety Grant, awarded to NDP in partnership with Metro Nashville. While the grant includes funding to support improvements to downtown infrastructure, outreach services, and public safety, this initial phase of the project focuses on proactively assessing community needs, identifying ideal locations for restroom facilities, and developing recommendations that seek to enhance the health, cleanliness, and inclusivity of downtown Nashville.

Providing access to safe, clean, and conveniently located public restrooms has emerged as an important component of creating a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant urban environment, NDP added.

The planning process will include an assessment of existing conditions, analysis of potential locations, other implemented models, operational and maintenance considerations, and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders. Recommendations developed through the study will help guide future discussions and decisions regarding the implementation of public restroom facilities downtown. Additionally, NDP will host a public meeting on Aug. 11, during which the Nashville-based development firm is expected to give a presentation and gather feedback. Additional public engagement opportunities will soon be announced, with findings and recommendations expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“The best public spaces are designed with and for the people who use them,” said Edward Henley III, founding principal of Pillars Development. “Our goal is to facilitate an inclusive, transparent, and rigorous study that balances community feedback, operational feasibility, and best practices from peer cities. Ultimately, we are gathering the data and community input necessary to help Metro Nashville leadership make the most informed, final decisions for our city.”

Downtown Nashville currently offers no fewer than four restroom facilities located within public spaces: the WeGo Central bus hub, Riverfront Park, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. Visitors Center at Bridgestone Arena, and the Nashville Farmers Market, the Nashville Post reported. Nashville peer cities Charlotte and Austin offer two and three downtown public restroom options, respectively, according to online sources.

“Thoughtful planning is essential to making impactful, long-term investments in our downtown,” said Tom Turner, NDP president and CEO. “We are grateful to be partnering with Pillars on the engagement phase of this project to bring much-needed public restrooms to downtown Nashville. We will be working alongside residents, employees, business and property owners, visitors, and community partners to determine the best locations for public restroom facilities to serve downtown while supporting public safety, cleanliness, and accessibility.”