Tryon could soon have public restrooms at Rogers Park.

Town council last week approved authorizing the town manager to enter into negotiations on a contract with Danny Owens Construction for up to $53,000.

The idea of restrooms for Rogers Park has been discussed for a few years, since the town purchased the former Massey building across from the fire department. Plans initially called for the building to be renovated to include public restrooms downstairs and housing quarters for rescue workers during events of inclement weather.

Problems arose during renovations, particularly with the foundation of the building. Once costs to fix the problems rose to more than $100,000, the town decided to demolish the building and seek other options. Grants had already been awarded for the project in the amount of more than $61,000, with $41,000 coming from a N.C. Rural Center grant and another $20,000 coming from the Polk County Community Foundation.

Tryon Town Manager Justin Hembree said all the bids initially came in around $15,000 over the towns budget and he negotiated the scope down to about $53,000. Hembree said construction can begin within two weeks and estimated that the building will take between five and six weeks to build.

Tryon’s downtown area does not currently have public restrooms. The new building will serve the town as well as Rogers Park, which holds concerts throughout the summer months.