Coldwater to use $20K grant to help build downtown public restrooms
COLDWATER — After delaying plans for a downtown public restroom in March, the city will receive a $20,000 grant from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council.
The council prioritized the construction of new public restrooms in an alleyway it created when it purchased the former Eric Goodwin law office and tore it down. The property connects South Monroe Street to Tibbits Plaza.
In March, bids for the bathrooms came in higher than expected. The council delayed approving construction to see if grants were available. It also decided to change the design from a gabled four-bathroom building.
More:Decisions pending for Coldwater city budget
The new restrooms will include two unisex stalls, be accessible, and include infant changing stations for parents and caretakers. The two restrooms are ADA accessible. The construction will create formal ramps that connect to the adjacent sidewalks and streets on either end of the alley.
City manager Keith Baker said, "The city is thankful for the additional funding to assist in bringing this project to fruition. We look forward to improving the quality of our events and visitor experience by having restrooms available to the public. We plan to unveil them in time for Apple Fest next year," construction will take place over the summer.
In March, only one bid was received. Brusse/Brady Inc., out of Three Rivers, bid $182,500 for a square building with four bathrooms. The city must spend $15,000 to upgrade utilities for the bathrooms.
The delay will allow the city to rebid the trimmed-down design.
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The MACC Capital Improvement Grant is a competitive program for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and municipalities that provides funding assistance for expanding, renovating, or constructing arts and cultural facilities.
In addition, the program assists with upgrades of equipment and furnishings to provide an up-to-date environment; provide or increase accessibility to persons with disabilities or integrate energy-efficient products and technologies.
Two other MACC grants were awarded in Branch County for the upcoming fiscal year.
Tibbits Opera House received a $70,000 Capital Improvement grant to renovate the theater's dressing rooms. Tibbits also received an Operation Support grant of $22,500 toward its general operation.
— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DreidTDR.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Michigan grant to help fund public bathrooms in downtown Coldwater