“A unique solution to a universal problem.”
The Portland Loo is the City of Portland’s response to the need for a cost-effective solution to providing night life patrons and homeless citizens with a safe, sanitary 24-hour a day toilet.
According to City Commissioner Randy Leonard, who spearheaded the effort along with the Portland Water Bureau, “The Portland Loos are meant to be a unique solution to a universal problem. Everyone should have somewhere to take care of business with a little privacy and a little dignity.”
The design of the Loo is ingenious in terms of CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design). Louvres at the top and bottom facilitate natural surveillance by passers by. The louvers at the bottom at angled to provide adequate privacy while allowing law enforcement to verify the number of feet. inside the unit.
Durable, functional, sustainable and affordable. 
The sturdy Loo has stainless steel wall panels mounted to a slim profile steel structure. It weights a fraction of a typical restroom and can be delivered on site as a complete enclosure.
The unit’s simple button activated hand washing station is mounted on the exterior to promote shorter use times and serve the general pedestrian population. Hand sanitizer is available inside.
The entire unit can be entirely off grid, lit by solar-powered LED fixtures, or pre-wired for 115 volt AC power. At night a gentle light washes the exterior until it is occupied, at which time the interior light activate and the exterior light dim. Electrical components, solar batteries, and maintenance equipment are housed in the cabinet at the rear of the unit. Artwork on the door panel links the Loo to its neighborhood and conveys a sense of community ownership.
Introducing the Portland Loo design and production team.
The Portland Loo was designed by Curtis Banger following thorough research on user needs, community attitudes and materials engineering. Banger was initially engaged in 2007 by the Public Restroom Implementation Team in the Office of Mayor Tom Potter. Portland’s Madden Fabrication, headed by businessman and neighborhood activist Greg Madden, produced the prototype unit. CPTED experts from the Portland Police Bureau Central Precinct advised on crime proofing the restroom. Portland Water Bureau Administrator David Shaff and Capital Project Manager David Gray have been closely involved throughout production and current operations.
The First Flush of thousands
The prototype Portland Loo was installed in late 2008 on NW Glisan Street between 5th and 6th Avenues adjacent to the Greyhound Station. It was unveiled on December 8 to enormous media attention. Then- Commissioner-now-Mayor, Sam Adams took the first flush to the cheers of more than a hundred neighbors, including members of PHLUSH. In the months since its installation, the Loo has enjoyed both heavy use and the watchful eyes of the community. A daily count of users has not yet been done but is estimated to be between 300 and 500. People are often seen waiting outside and motorists sometimes pull into a limited time parking space adjacent to use the facility.
Selected Media Coverage
“Toilet design’s a fresh idea. City’s water bureau comes up with prototype offering cheap, crime-free flushes.” By Jim Redden. The Portland Tribune, Apr 11, 2008.
“Neighbors urge more public toilets in Whiteaker area.” By Shelby Martin. The Register-Guard (Eugene, Oregon) Mar 2, 2009.
A Portland Loo for you?
For inquiries about purchasing a Portland Loo, contact Anna di Bennedetto in the Office of Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard or Jennifer Day of the Portland Water Bureau.
If you’d like to organize an advocacy effort to get a Portland Loo in your area, contact PHLUSH. See also our Take Action section.
