“The Portland Loo, a stand-alone public toilet used in numerous states, is an example of “crime prevention through environmental design” and hostile architecture. Law enforcement...
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January 28, 2023
It started with a challenge: build a public restroom that could survive Portland.
That meant rain, vandalism, misuse, tight budgets, rising maintenance costs, and high public expectations — all wrapped up in a city that values design, dignity, and functionality.
So Portland did what Portland does best: it designed something totally original.
More than a decade later, The Portland Loo® has gone from local innovation to nationally recognized infrastructure solution. It’s not just a toilet. It’s a tested model that’s reshaping how cities provide safe, efficient, low-maintenance sanitation — without sacrificing aesthetics or equity.
If you’re in the business of solving real problems in real places, this is the restroom you’ve been looking for.
Purpose-Built to Solve Urban Sanitation Challenges
Traditional restrooms often come with traditional problems: high maintenance, expensive utilities, frequent vandalism, limited visibility, poor ADA access, and outdated plumbing. Cities try to retrofit or overbuild, and still end up with facilities that break, cost more than expected, or become magnets for crime.
The Portland Loo® flipped the model. It’s small-footprint. Single-occupancy. And designed from the start to address the real issues cities face:
- Anti-graffiti and vandal-resistant construction
- Exterior hand-washing station to reduce interior mess and encourage fast turnover
- Grated visibility at top and bottom to deter inappropriate use
- Modular design that ships fully assembled and ready for install
- Simple, quick cleaning with stainless steel interior and walls
The result? A public restroom that works with your maintenance team, not against it.
Adaptable to Any Environment — and Your Specs
Urban core, trailhead, waterfront, transit stop — if people gather, they need a clean and safe place to go. The Portland Loo® has been installed in over 100 cities across North America because it fits in everywhere.
But it’s not one-size-fits-all. With our Build-a-Loo tool, you can customize your unit’s features, branding, and accessories. Solar options? Done. Cold-weather add-ons? Covered. Interior handrails, signage, and maintenance hatches? You choose what works for your location and your budget.
You’ll get a tailored bid and a build that reflects your needs — not someone else’s template.
Supported Every Step of the Way
From procurement to installation to maintenance, we know this isn’t just a toilet — it’s a long-term investment in public infrastructure. That’s why we’ve created on-demand resources to help you and your team at every stage:
- How to Install the Portland Loo: a step-by-step course built for public works staff, contractors, or decision-makers overseeing site prep
- How to Maintain the Portland Loo: short, practical lessons on cleaning, inspections, and troubleshooting
- Order Parts Store: need to replace a panel, sign, or fixture? Order directly, without jumping through procurement hoops
It’s all about removing friction so your team can focus on what matters: keeping your community clean, accessible, and welcoming.
What Cities Are Saying
“We had issues with vandalism and safety before installing our Loo — it solved both. It’s held up in every season and has become a valued asset in our park system.”
— Public Works Manager, Colorado (via Portland Loo Reviews)
“The Loo was the only option that truly considered long-term use from both a public AND city operations perspective.”
— Urban Planner, California
Ready to Bring a Loo to Your City?
If your team is planning a park upgrade, pedestrian district, urban revitalization zone, or any public space project, this is your opportunity to put function and form to work together.
- Build your ideal Loo here
- Train your team before it even ships
- Get in touch for specs, lead times, or a live demo
It started in Portland. It’s built for everywhere. And it’s ready when you are.
The Portland Loo®. Because a public restroom should be as smart as the city it serves.
