OCEANSIDE — Councilman Jack Feller said he is looking forward to celebrating the ceremonial flush of the new beach restrooms, which are anticipated to be built within a year.
Phase I of the two-phase beach restrooms project will knock down and rebuild facilities at Breakwater Way and Sportsfisher Drive.
Restrooms at Wisconsin Street and mid-pier will also be renovated with new fixtures and finishes.
The City Council approved hiring Hal Hay Construction Inc., of Riverside, Calif., as Phase I project builder to the tune of $1.45 million on Aug. 20.
The total cost of the Phase I restroom improvements, including architect and engineering support, inspection and management fees, totals $2.28 million.
Oceanside has had beach restrooms renovations on the city to-do list for quite some time.
“They’re many, many years old, and have outlived their usefulness for maintenance and functionality,” city Manager Steve Jepsen said, in a previous interview.
In 2010 design and concept plans were created and a public review process began.
A Coastal Permit to perform the work was secured in 2013.
Then in 2014,design plans were approved, and a call for contractor bids was put out.
The city is on schedule with its timeline to begin Phase I construction.
The new restrooms will boast a smaller footprint, more stalls, showers, visible access and a modern design.
Renovated restrooms will also see more stalls by moving hand-washing facilities to the outside of the building.
The project will improve restroom functionality and safety.
“The updated facilities should be an improvement looks-wise, and there’s a safety component built into the project,” Nathan Mertz, city project manager, said, in an earlier interview. “The buildings are oriented to increase the viewshed.”
During construction, portable restrooms, which are used at beach events, will be available.
Phase I building is expected to start within a month, and finish by fall 2015.
Council set aside $3 million from the city Laguna Vista Mobile Home Park sale to pay for the two-phase beach restrooms project.
