Downtown Zionsville is set to welcome a much-needed public amenity this spring as the Town prepares to install new public restrooms. Located in the town-owned parking lot just south of The Friendly Tavern, these facilities are expected to open in April 2025, providing a key resource for shoppers, diners, and attendees of popular community events.
The addition of public restrooms has been a longstanding request from both residents and business owners. A 2023 study conducted by the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce found that 96% of respondents believed public restrooms would enhance the visitor experience, while 75% of businesses reported receiving restroom requests from customers. The study also emphasized the increased demand for facilities during high-traffic events such as the Zionsville Farmers Market, Brick Street Market, Fall Festival, and Street Dance.
Community Support and Impact
Kent Esra, owner of Cobblestone Grill and a member of the Zionsville Redevelopment Commission, praised the project, stating, “In the 25 years we’ve been downtown, public restrooms have been one of the most needed
improvements. This is something the community and downtown businesses have needed from the very beginning, and it will make a big difference for both visitors and local establishments.”
The new Village restrooms will feature:
ADA accessibility, including a baby changing table
Daily hours from 7 AM to 10 PM, with extended hours during special events
Exterior lighting and a security camera for enhanced safety
Routine maintenance by the Town’s Departments of Public Works (DPW) and Parks & Recreation
By offering a convenient restroom alternative, the Town aims to improve the overall visitor experience while alleviating the burden on individual storefronts.
Site Preparation and Installation
The Zionsville DPW will begin preparing the site the week of March 10. Site adjustments will include minor landscaping modifications and the removal of two parking spaces to accommodate the facility. While the Town acknowledges the importance of downtown parking, this location was strategically selected to maximize accessibility and long-term benefits for visitors, businesses, and community events.
A rendering and site plan have been made available to provide residents with a visual representation of the design and location.
Investing in Downtown’s Future
The installation of public restrooms is part of the Town’s broader initiative to enhance the downtown Zionsville experience. In addition to addressing an immediate need, plans are underway for the development of a civic plaza in the Village, which will include permanent public restrooms. Once that project is completed, the Village restroom facility will be repurposed for use at parks, special events, or other community needs, ensuring its long-term value for the Town.
Mayor John Stehr expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Our already great town has just gotten a little better by making sure everyone has access to public restrooms in the Village. I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce, Farmers Market, Town Council, Redevelopment Commission, and town staff for their help and cooperation throughout this process.”
As Zionsville continues to grow, these new public restrooms will play a crucial role in supporting the downtown district, offering a cleaner, safer, and more accommodating environment for residents and visitors alike.