by Brianna Crandall — November 26, 2014—Workplace products and services provider Cintas Corporation has named the public restrooms at Longwood Gardens as “America’s Best Restroom” for 2014 in its annual seriously fun tribute to clean, well-designed restrooms and their ultimate customer retention value to businesses. After viewing Longwood’s awe-inspiring “green wall” and eco-friendly design, the online public selected the venue’s restroom over a strong field of finalists in the 13th annual contest.
As the most visited public garden in America, welcoming more than one million guests each year, Longwood Gardens is renowned for its grand horticulture displays and fountain and light shows. Now, the distinctive restrooms can boast they have become a national icon, too, says Cintas. Along with the “green wall” outside the restrooms, the 17 lavatory cabinets feature etched translucent glass at the top of a dome to provide natural light, reduce electricity, and minimize the need for light fixtures.
As for the restroom’s famous green wall, Longwood Gardens Chief Marketing Officer Marnie Conley comments, “The wall has become a ‘must-see’ destination for our guests, many of whom may have never seen a green wall before and are curious about how we care for it. It’s the only restroom with its own docents!”
As the 2014 winner, Longwood Gardens also receives a $2,500 credit to spend on Cintas services like restroom cleaning and supplies, cleaning chemicals or wet mops for restroom floors. All three top vote getters win a complimentary Deep Clean of their restroom (valued up to $500).
In the contest, which attracted thousands of online votes, America chose Bowl Plaza in Lucas, Kansas as the No. 2 place “to go.” The Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri took 3rd place. The 2014 contest attracted nominations from a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, a retail complex, an outdoor restroom along a running trail, and a children’s toy store. Cintas selected the ten finalists based on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements.
2014 America’s Best Restroom Contest Finalists
- American Girl Place – Chicago, IL
- Bowl Plaza – Lucas, KS (#2)
- El Centro – Washington, DC
- The Fabulous Fox Theater – St. Louis, MO (#3)
- The Grove – Los Angeles, CA
- Longwood Gardens – Philadelphia, PA (#1)
- Mai Kai Restaurant – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Plums Café – Costa Mesa, CA
- Tiki Lounge – Pittsburgh, PA
- Trail Restroom – Austin, TX
Longwood has now secured its place in Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame Web page also features photos of the winners in previous years.
Cintas says it launched the America’s Best Restroom Contest in 2002 to honor businesses across the country that consider hygiene and style top priorities. “This project is a lot of fun and also conveys a critical message that restroom hygiene matters for good health and good business,” said Cintas’ Senior Marketing Manager John Engel. “We look forward to celebrating our 14th year in 2015 and invite the public to nominate their favorite facility online now.”
