New, modern public bathrooms coming to National Mall and beyond
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A rendering of one of the conceptual designs for new bathrooms (right) and food kiosks on the mall. Rendering: Courtesy of NPS, David Rubin-Land Collection and GWWO Architects.
D.C. is getting more public bathrooms in much-needed areas like the National Mall.
Why it matters: When nature calls at America's Front Yard, plan to hold it for a while.
Driving the news: Plans are underway to add a dozen new public restrooms to the National Mall, and update three existing "comfort stations," according to the National Capital Planning Commission.
- The National Park Service submitted concept plans, which are being reviewed. Exact locations and design are TBD. Construction is slated to start in 2026.
The big picture: NPS operates nine public restrooms with less than 100 toilets and urinals on the mall, which hosts a whopping 25 million people a year. New toilets haven't been added for half a century.
- For number one or two, there are zero comfort stations east of 15th Street, and between the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol.
Between the lines: Visitors can cue up at museums, but security and ticketing make a quick pee tough (and don't even think of ducking behind a marble column, that risks a $500 fine).
By the numbers: D.C. trails behind 20 other major American cities in terms of total toilets with 67 public restrooms, according to the Public Toilet Index. San Jose, California, by comparison, boasts 204.
- The U.S. is 30th in the world for toilets per capita, with only an average of eight public restrooms for every 100,000 people (compared to #1 Iceland, which has 56).
The intrigue: Throne Labs, a high-tech toilet startup, is upping D.C.'s bathroom game.
- Their progressive potties are free, mobile, ADA-compliant, and equipped with baby changing stations and complimentary menstrual products. Fun wallpaper, A.C., full sinks and a sleek design feel anti-portapotty (plus they're cleaned 1-5 times daily).
- Smart sensors provide a hygienic, no-touch experience and also ping Throne-control with issues like low TP.
How it works: Access toilets via a QR code, app or a tap-card that Throne issues for people without phones. You can also provide immediate feedback on the app if anything is amiss (or Throne-fluence).
State of play: Throne rolled out 18 bathrooms in the DMV, including six in D.C. this spring funded by a city pilot program. Locations include Oxon Run Park, Eastern Market, and Dupont Circle. One of their busiest is off the mall near Indiana Plaza.
- The pilot runs through next September.
What they're saying: "We're a company that started with a mission to meaningfully expand access to restrooms," Throne Labs co-founder Jessica Heinzelman tells Axios.
- "There has been incredible support for the restrooms and we hope more will be added, but that will depend on how the Mayor and [D.C.] Council prioritize funds."
