Archived News Release: May 28, 2024 - The City of Ann Arbor is announcing new portable public restrooms will be open for business throughout the city in the coming weeks. Throne Labs Inc. will begin installing the public restrooms the week of May 27. The free restrooms will be colorful additions to the downtown, with designs that celebrate Ann Arbor's bicentennial milestone, welcoming and providing convenience for Ann Arbor visitors. Portable public restrooms will be located at (see also the map - PDF):
“We're excited to launch this one-year pilot program and offer our downtown and parks visitors safe and dignified public restroom options for all people regardless of ability, gender, race, housing status, culture and age," said Milton Dohoney Jr., Ann Arbor city administrator. “We want to be a welcoming and inclusive city, and this pilot program will allow us to achieve this goal, which although temporary, will help us to determine where permanent public restrooms are needed in the downtown."
Restroom access
Accessible by scanning a QR code or using a mobile app, Throne offers a turnkey restroom solution that includes all cleaning, servicing and user support, thus reducing the capital and time required to implement permanent restroom infrastructure. Baby-changing stations and menstrual products will be included in each location. The Throne design exceeds Federal ADA standards to enable easy access for all members of the community. For those without cell phones, bathroom access cards will be available at Larcom City Hall (301 E. Huron St.) or the Delonis Center (312 W. Huron St.) during regular business hours.
Pilot funding
Funding for the $500,000 one-year pilot program was made available from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding received by the city and previously appropriated to the Major Grants Fund in the amount of $200,000; $132,000 from the University of Michigan; and $168,000 from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
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