Construction is underway this month on a much-requested new downtown amenity: Public restrooms.

A $373,000 five-stall restroom facility will be built in the street-level northwest corner of the Market Square Garage. The restrooms – which will include a roof, graffiti-resistant paint, topiary screens and LED-lit glass panels that will glow at night – will be easily accessible, adjacent to the garage attendant booth.

Southern Constructors Inc. was awarded the competitively-bid contract, and the restrooms are expected to be open in August.

“We are pleased to begin construction on the downtown restroom," said Downtown Coordinator Rick Emmett. "I think this will prove to be a popular amenity for downtown and will further enhance our visitor experience. Certainly with the many free, family-friendly events downtown, this facility will provide a nice, safe location to fulfill this need without impacting our shops and restaurants.”

- Communications Intern Cortney Roark
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