Photos by L.Albee for Longwood Gardens
While most people would likely characterize their trip to the restroom as a fairly unremarkable experience, Cintas – who runs the America’s Best Restroom Contest – thinks it should be unforgettable. That’s why each year the company recognizes America’s porcelain pioneers, who are taking dramatic steps to create unforgettable facilities, with Cintas America’s Best Restroom® award.
This year Cintas bestowed the award on Longwood Gardens – the most visited public garden in America and one of Philly’s greatest attractions – for their awe-inspiring “green wall” outside the restrooms and eco-friendly design.
“We’re excited to announce Longwood Gardens as the 2014 Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom,” said Cintas’ Senior Marketing Manager John Engel. “The team at Longwood has proven it understands the value of a restroom that’s creative and memorable for guests.”
If you’ve been there you know that the Longwood Garden’s restrooms truly deserve a double-take as you walk by. Along with the “green wall” outside the restrooms, visitors find etched translucent glass inside that provides natural light, reduces electricity and minimizes the need for light fixtures.
“We are so pleased to receive the America’s Best Restroom award,” said Marnie Conley, Chief Marketing Officer at Longwood Gardens. “Longwood Gardens is about beautiful horticulture, being a good steward to our environment, and providing an extraordinary experience for our more than one million guests each year.”
As for the restroom’s famous green wall? “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,” said Conley. “It’s the only restroom with its own docents!”
The 2014 Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom 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.
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types primarily throughout North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, first aid, safety and fire protection products and services.
