SAN ANTONIO—A downtown restroom installed just last month is drawing some attention from both visitors and locals.
Downtown worker Sidro Estrada often sees a steady stream of curious people, and admits this downtown public bathroom stall has been quite a hit.
“I've seen tourists use it, they're a little skeptical. It's wide open. I think it's a good thing we need them downtown,” said Estrada.
The stainless steel restroom is called the Portland Loo. It was named after the city that first began installing the stalls. The city of San Antonio installed the loo near Market and Alamo streets last month. The cost for the loo was nearly $100,000. But installation and other costs have mounted to nearly $90,000 on top of that.
“The reality is there is a cost associated with the installation and construction of things and this is normal within that,” said Councilman Roberto Trevino.
Trevino said the first-of-its kind in San Antonio restroom is also in a sensitive area.
“We are being very thoughtful in our approached because it's right on the River Walk. We didn't want to do anything that will harm the river itself. That will hurt the quality of the ecology, so it provided a little more effort,” he said.
Trevino said the restroom will help offset other costs in an area where it's hard to find a public bathroom.
“That's the one area that we have the most citations for public urination. On top of that, down Commerce Street and down Market, we spend up to $250,000 a year pressure washing urine and feces off of sidewalks,” he said.
Right now, the city is hosting a competition to give the local restroom a San Antonio inspired name. For more information, click here.