New Market Square Public Restrooms Open for Business

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
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(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

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New Market Square Public Restrooms Open for Business

Posted: 12/22/2016
Ribbon Cutting at Market Square Garage RestroomsAt a somewhat unconventional ceremony Thursday, Mayor Madeline Rogero officially opened the new public restroom facility located in the Market Square garage. 

“It’s not every day that a mayor is called upon to officially open a restroom, but this is no ordinary restroom,” the Mayor said, adding that it may be the most eagerly awaited restroom built in the City. 

Mayor Rogero, assisted by Downtown Coordinator Rick Emmett, Special Events Director Judith Foltz, Public Building Authority CEO Jayne Burritt, Scott Busby of Smee + Busby Architects, Mike McGaugh of Southern Contractors, Inc., and several longtime Market Square business owners, ceremoniously cut—not a traditional ribbon—but a swag of toilet paper. 

“This restroom serves a longstanding need, as Market Square has continued to welcome an increasing number of visitors to the shops, restaurants and special events that make downtown so vibrant,” Mayor Rogero said. 

Restrooms in Market Sq GarageThe facility at the corner of Wall Avenue and Walnut Street was designed by Smee + Busby Architects and built by Southern Constructors, Inc. 

“It’s built to last,” said Emmett. The restrooms—men’s, women’s and a single room for any gender and families—are constructed to be durable, energy efficient, safe and accessible, with epoxy-sealed floors, board-formed concrete, graffiti-resistant paint, automatic faucets and electric hand dryers. All restrooms have diaper-changing stations. 

“This restroom truly makes Market Square accessible and welcoming to all people and all families,” the Mayor said. 

The Public Building Authority, which manages the Market Square Garage, will manage the restrooms, providing custodians to clean them and PBA officers to monitor them. Restrooms will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and stay open later for special events, including next weekend’s New Year’s Eve celebration on Market Square.

Restrooms at Market Sq Garage
Panoramic photo of the inside of the family restroom

Restrooms at Market Sq Garage
Panoramic photo of the inside of the women's restroom