Tampa Theatre is a finalist for (I'm not kidding) America's Best Public Restroom

There's no way I could make this up. The historic Tampa Theatre, long famous for its mighty Wurlitzer organ rising from the stage, nostalgically gaudy Mediterranean decor and devotion to classic films, now has another distinction squarely in its sights:

America's Best Public Restroom.

That's right. Tampa Theater is among 10 finalists for the title, competing against such renowned venues as Radio City Music Hall, the 6th floor women's restroom at Macy's Union Square in San Francisco, Detroit's Fox Theater and Zifferino Restorante at the Venetian Hotel, Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

And just to show that we know our, um, stuff around Tampa Bay, another finalist is Nova 535 in St. Petersburg.Voting continues through July 31.

The nationwide contest is sponsored by Cintas Facility Services, supplier of necessary venue goods such as uniforms, fire protection devices, cleaning and safety products, and perhaps those huge pink mints dropped into urinals. Visit the ballot page to cast your vote.

Just in case you don't make mental notes of such things, the site helpfully offers descriptions of the contestants' striking features. The site's description of Tampa Theatre's restroom reads: "Designed in the 1920’s, features include Vitrolite glass on walls, intricate tile designs, and pipe-shaped sconces."

Sounds nice. But it'll have a tough time competing against the "marble fireplaces, hand-carved mahogany pool table, antiques, lion’s head sinks, leather chairs, stained glass and chandeliers" of the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre in Branson, Mo.

Tampa Theatre president and CEO John Bell wasn't immediately available for comment. He was probably, shall we say, indisposed.

Comments

[2004 Best Restroom Award--Urinal Art]

Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI

No photos permitted in museum, except the restrooms.

LOOK:

http://www.mightymac.org/06wisconsin07.htm

I hope the Tampa Theater wins this year. The mini "children's stall" in the Ladies Room is adorable -- better than Radio City Music Hall's Ladies Room.