Pershing Square APT Activated?

By Eric Richardson
Published: Thursday, May 17, 2007, at 12:20PM

Don Garza

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — I have a report this morning that the Pershing Square Automated Public Toilet is now open for business.

Walking home from the gym, I witnessed history in the making. With the help of a serviceman, a man deposited a quarter in the Public Toilet and the door magically opened! I didn’t stick around to interview the man afterward, but it was epic, nonetheless.

I haven’t been over to check it out, but it makes sense given recent reports of the electrical operating. Using my not-quite-official count, in the end it was a puny 205 days from installation to activation.

Thanks to Bert for the report.

Update (4pm): Don Garza posts some great shots of the APT in use, including the one used above.

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Comments

Douglas E. Welch writes:

It looks as if we are getting an APT here in the Van Nuys Civic Center, too. I hope it doesn't take as long to get operating as Pershing Square.

# on May.17.2007 AT 03:12 PM

Don Garza writes:

The history of the toilets is that CD 9 was going to get all of the first ones that came along , the other council districts did not want them, but after the APT in North Hollywood was operating , both the one in North Hollywood and Skid Row were put in place at the same time , there was a big story on the local news channel in which the business people were saying that they had an increase in foot traffic because of the APT in NOrth Hollywood , thus , now we aren't going to get all of the toilets , they are getting shared.

When once they didn't want them in their districts now they are fighting over them. BUt it isn't a matter of fighting. For every 500,000 dollars in ad revenue from the public furniture ads, we get one toilet.

# on May.17.2007 AT 03:50 PM

hsosa writes:

HOORAY!! This morning. I saw a service truck pull up to the apt. the newspaper guy said it looks like its going to be turned on today. damm should had my camera.

# on May.17.2007 AT 10:48 PM

SC_00_05 writes:

I'm thinking that if you never brought this out in the light (and hence the LA Times), this thing would not even be close to operating. Congrats.

# on May.17.2007 AT 11:31 PM

Derick writes:

I'm glad that this toilet watch story is finally getting flushed...

# on May.18.2007 AT 12:46 AM

Don Garza writes:

NO , it would have been operating even if the LA Times article hadn't come out. This has been news for a couple of years now.

Congratulations to Council District 9 for getting these toilets through City Council , that was the hardest part.

# on May.18.2007 AT 12:59 AM

kenarch writes: