Teardown on central park restrooms expected this month

WASHINGTON — City officials say they expect demolition to start on restrooms in Washington’s central park before the end of November, with plans to rebuild a more modernized facility in the same spot next year.

The city will pay for the $260,400 reconstruction contract using its municipal grant funds from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, according to Finance Director Kelsey Brown.

The contract was signed Tuesday with Christner Contracting, based out of Ottumwa. City administrator Joe Gaa said it came with a construction deadline of May 23, but that contractors hoped to finish it early, and would likely start tearing down the current building before the end of the month.

“I’ve had some discussions with them already, we’ll do a pre-construction meeting pretty soon, and then you’ll see the demolition occur on that building pretty quickly,” he said. “They’re excited to get to work.”

The move is fairly popular. City residents and council members have complained about disrepair at the old building, which is the only public restroom available for many events in Washington’s downtown.

“I mentioned the new restroom to people and they were really excited about it,” Council Member Ken Schroeder said of the project at a meeting in August. “They thought it was a long time coming, and they’re glad to see we’re doing something about it.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com