ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Many people have experienced the frantic search for a public restroom when out and about, only to find access to a clean facility isn’t so convenient, at times.
“You have to go buy a drink somewhere, food, and then you can use the bathroom,” explained one visitor named Krysta.
Well, the City of Ann Arbor is working to change that. Right now, the city is partnering with a business called Throne Labs to help you do your business without the hassle.
Related: 8 new public bathrooms opening in Ann Arbor -- where they’ll be, how to get access
You’ll be seeing these throne public restrooms popping up in spots across downtown Ann Arbor and in some public parks.
Eight Throne Public Restrooms are being installed in areas across downtown and in some public parks. The facilities are spacious, clean, and free public restrooms.
“I feel like it’s a bathroom that I could use if I was out and about, and I really needed one,” said Wasentha Young as she checked out the Throne Public Restroom installed at Liberty Park.
Inside, you’ll find vibrant wallpaper, a flushing toilet, a sink and urinal, with running water, paper goods, women’s hygiene items, and a baby changing station.
“Feels like a really nice indoor bathroom once you get inside,” explained Jessica Heinzelman, Co-Founder and COO of Throne Labs. “You’re able to put it down anywhere. Fast, for a fraction of the cost of building a restroom.”
Ann Arbor is the first city in Michigan to install Throne Public Restrooms.
Members of the public can access the Throne from a mobile device, using an app or a QR code that’s posted on the facility. A text message will be sent, and that’s your key to entering the Throne. 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.
The Throne free public restrooms are part of a one-year pilot program.
“It looks pretty nice,” said Helena Digue.
The company said cleanliness and maintenance will be a priority.
“Each use is asked for a cleanliness rating,” Heinzelman explained. “We have a team that is monitoring that all the time. We’re both using that historical data, along with usage volume to optimize cleaning schedules.”
A lot of people have been curious about the free public restrooms. Now, they’re happy to see the Throne popping up across the area.
For the location of the free Throne Public Restrooms visit Ann Arbor’s official website.
