FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Contact:    Meghan Behymer  | Communications + Marketing Manager
mbehymer@downtownkalamazoo.org   |    269-344-0795

The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is pleased to announce the installation of the “Portland Loo,” a public outdoor restroom facility, in Downtown Kalamazoo.

Located at northwest corner of the City-owned parking lot at 108 E. Water Street, directly behind the KVCC Center for New Media, the restroom will be available for public use 24 hours a day, with multiple cleanings and restocking daily.

“Over the years, we have heard from a variety of downtown stakeholders the need for public facilities, particularly to provide options overnight and during weekends and evenings,” Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership President Andrew Haan said. “The installation of the pilot Portland Loo is a key first step in addressing these concerns. We are confident the restroom will serve as an amenity to visitors and residents alike.”

In May 2019, the Kalamazoo City Commission approved the purchase of the restroom for $107,440 to be funded through the initial allocation of Foundation for Excellence funds for downtown projects and investments. The restroom supports the Imagine Kalamazoo strategic goal to create inviting public places.

Following the approval of the purchase, a number of locations were considered for the restroom based on recommendations from the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership’s 100+ person leadership network that makes up its four Citizen Coalitions representing downtown businesses, residents, institutions, and community members. In seeking a location that was both accessible to visitors and close to existing utilities, it was determined that the optimal location is at the northwest corner of the City-owned parking lot at 108 E. Water Street, directly behind the KVCC Center for New Media.

The facility includes a handwash basin, baby changing table, sharps container and an upgrade for a cold-weather toilet. It will be maintained by Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership, with cleanings and restocking to occur multiple times daily, as well as regular monitoring by Kalamazoo Public Safety.

The Portland Loo will open in November upon the completion of the parking lot construction. Additional information about the Portland Loo and its features can be found at Portland Loo website.

About Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is a private, non-profit organization that works with both the public and private sectors in preserving and enhancing the economic health of Kalamazoo’s downtown area and, in turn, the Kalamazoo community. In conjunction with its affiliate organizations, it manages a full range of activities that include capital improvement projects, business development and recruitment programs, image marketing and event planning in order to establish Downtown Kalamazoo as an accessible, diverse, green, progressive and vibrant urban center. For more information, visit downtownkalamazoo.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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