Portland, Ore., officials unveil toilet

The mayor-elect of Portland, Ore., has inaugurated the first of a planned series of public toilets in the city with a ceremonial first flush.

Mayor-elect Sam Adams and other community leaders gathered Monday on Northwest Glisan Street to unveil the first Portland Loo, which cost the city about $140,000 to design and build, The (Portland) Oregonian reported Tuesday.

City Commissioner Randy Leonard, who designed the toilet as commissioner of the Water Bureau, said the next Portland Loos will only cost about $25,000 each to install, and he is hoping to have at least 10 locations placed around the downtown of the city. He said other cities as far away as Australia have shown an interest in purchasing the city’s design.

Officials said Jamison Square park will likely serve as the location for the next public toilet to be installed.