Commission reviews concept to replace Heritage Square restrooms with gated, three‑stall design including adult changing station
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Summary
Staff presented a concept to convert two small restrooms at Heritage Square into a gated, open‑front facility with three toilet spaces (including an ADA stall and adult changing station), vandal‑proof specifications, and tenant‑improvement design and bidding as the next steps; Hopi Trust and downtown business alliance reportedly support the plan.
City staff presented a concept design for the Heritage Square restrooms and described next steps toward construction.
The current configuration consists of two small 8‑by‑8 rooms attached to a Hopi Trust‑owned building accessed from an alley. The proposed concept replaces those enclosed rooms with an overhead coiling gate that remains open during posted hours, an exterior sink in the gated opening, a custodial/janitor closet, partitioned stalls with increased visibility at top and bottom, and a total of three toilet fixtures—two standard partitioned stalls and one ADA‑accessible stall that includes an adult changing station. "There’s a bridal benefit to that to this concept design...we felt comfortable going with 3 toilet spaces," the presenter said.
Staff cited Arizona state law requiring an adult changing station in public restrooms since 2021 and said the design incorporates that requirement within the ADA stall.
Commissioners asked about vandal‑proof fixtures, cleaning frequency and security. Staff said the restrooms are currently cleaned daily, that vandal‑proof specifications will be included in construction documents and that there are no cameras in the alley at this time; staff noted the alley is public right‑of‑way and that any camera deployment would be a police decision.
The Hopi Trust and the Downtown Business Alliance have reportedly reviewed the concept and indicated support. Staff outlined next steps: advance the concept to tenant improvement construction drawings, put the work out to invitation to bid and select the lowest qualified bidder under city procurement rules.
Commissioners discussed operational questions such as the overhead coiling grill (open during hours, closed and locked when not), sink placement to avoid facing the alley, and lighting that must remain dark‑sky compliant. Several commissioners suggested user‑facing improvements such as an occupancy indicator (red/green lighting) and expressed general support for increasing the number of fixtures from two to three.
Next steps: staff will develop construction drawings, include vandal‑proof and maintenance specifications, solicit bids and return with procurement recommendations.