KALAMAZOO, MI — Relieving yourself in downtown Kalamazoo could feel a little more like Portland with the approval a recommendation to buy a “Portland Loo," a public toilet that originated in the Oregon city.

The Kalamazoo City Commission voted to approve a Kalamazoo City Manager James Ritsema’s recommendation for the purchase of a “Portland Loo” brand public restroom at a cost of $107,440, during the city commission’s May 6 meeting.

The lack of available public restrooms in downtown Kalamazoo has proven an impediment to visitors, shoppers, and residents, according to the recommendation, and many are not easily located, and are closed during the evenings, overnights, and weekends. The lack facilities is “inconvenient and unwelcoming” to visitors and residents and can lead to unsanitary actions, the recommendation states.

The challenge is not unique to Kalamazoo and impacts communities across the country, Ritsema said in the recommendation, including Portland, Oregon. The city of Portland chose to have a public restroom designed and built, and the design has since been licensed for sale as the “Portland Loo," Ritsema said in his written recommendation.

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority has proposed installation of one Portland Loo in the downtown area as pilot project, with additional installations possible if the first one works out well. The Downtown Economic Growth Authority is working with Public Safety and Public Services to find an appropriate location for the restroom, Ritsema said.

The Portland Loo would support the Imagine Kalamazoo strategic goal to create inviting public places, Ritsema said in his recommendation.

The purchase of the restroom totals $107,440, and would be funded through the initial allocation of Foundation for Excellence funds for downtown projects and investments. Connection to utilities is to be handled by the Public Services Department. The Downtown Kalamazoo Economic Growth Authority will fund maintenance and cleaning, projected to total approximately $15,000 per year, the City will cover ongoing utility costs, Ritsema said.

The loo would include a handwash basin, baby changing table, sharps container and an upgrade for a cold-weather toilet.