Third Largest City in Indiana Adds First 24/7 Public Restroom

On May 11, Evansville, Indiana, officially opened the city’s first outdoor, publicly accessible restroom in its downtown neighborhood. The new Portland Loo restroom is located at the corner of Sycamore and 6th Street, next to the METS Transit bus station, and will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The third largest city in Indiana said the public restroom is aimed at improving accessibility and convenience for residents, visitors, event attendees, employees, and the thousands of people utilizing public transportation in the downtown district.

The project was made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, 44 News reported. The restroom comes with a price tag of US$275,000, which city officials said includes the purchase, installation, and maintenance. Officials said the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District will maintain the Portable Loo, ensuring it is cleaned several times daily.

Portland Loos are a type of public restroom that has become increasingly popular in urban areas across the country because of their vandal-resistant construction, easier maintenance, and open-air design features that improve visibility and safety, the city said. Its durable, privacy-conscious design is intended to support public health and safety while helping deter illegal activity.