Decof, Mega, & Quinn P.C. Elevates Office Restrooms by Transitioning from Rusted Metal Partitions to HDPE Solid Plastic Scranton Products® Eclipse Partitions®
Decof, Mega & Quinn P.C., a prominent law firm in Providence, Rhode Island, underwent a full building renovation over a decade ago, except for the restrooms, which had been updated only a few years prior. Over time, the restrooms began to show significant signs of wear and tear. From a mirror falling off the wall to water-damaged fixtures and rusted partitions, it w
as clear the restrooms needed attention to reflect the contemporary flair seen throughout the rest of the office.
The metal restroom partitions were rusted, dented, and unstable, shaking whenever a door was opened. Heavy wood trim at the sink stations was damaged due to water exposure, the plastic laminate counters were delaminating, and the exposed drainpipes were an unsightly distraction. The overhead lighting caused harsh shadows on users’ faces, making the experience less comfortable.
“We tend to be a little on the traditional side but with a flair for the contemporary,” said Karen MacGovern, office manager at Decof, Mega & Quinn. “We wanted the colors in the restroom to match the interior for a more up-to-date, consistent design. Believe it or not, we have six different bathrooms that were all different colors–one was purple, one was pink–it was not our brand.”
From Worn-Out to Wow
Decof, Mega & Quinn opted for a contemporary design that matched the firm’s aesthetic preferences while ensuring durability and functionality. Teaming up with Studio JAED, they designed solutions that would improve the restroom experience all around. Neutral gray and white tones were selected to replace the former bathrooms mismatched and outdated colors.
The old metal partitions, prone to rust, dents, and instability, were replaced with HDPE solid plastic Scranton Products Eclipse Partitions. These new partitions not only offer a cleaner aesthetic with reduced sightlines, but they are also more durable and will never rust or dent.
“Durability was a key consideration when selecting the Eclipse Partitions,” said MacGovern. “The old metal ones would mark up and get dinged very easily. These new partitions are holding up better to normal wear and tear than the previous metal ones. We’ve had them a full year and they look brand new today.”
To maximize privacy and comfort, occupancy indicators were installed on each stall, eliminating the guesswork of whether a stall is in use. Blocking was added to stabilize the partitions, addressing the previous issue of shaking.
“We love the Eclipse Partitions for their privacy and length. They almost reach the floor, which is a lot longer compared to the old metal ones. They make the bathrooms more presentable.”
Other updates include that the old, water-damaged wood trim and delaminated counters were replaced with sleek, modern elements, including a new tile backsplash and trough-style sink. The exposed drain pipes were concealed for a more polished look, and cove lighting was added to create texture on the walls. Lighted mirrors replaced the outdated overhead downlights, providing better visibility and a more calming environment.
Results and Feedback
The renovation team encountered a few logistical challenges due to the age of the restrooms. For example, the shutoff valves were built differently than they would be today since the previous design was older. Removing the existing tile revealed that there was more tile underneath, drawing out the demolition. Budget constraints added further pressure, requiring adjustments to some initial design choices to keep costs manageable while still delivering a high-end result.
The restroom renovation at Decof, Mega & Quinn successfully brought the facilities up to the same high standards as the rest of the office. The new partitions provide a clean, modern appearance while withstanding wear and tear much better than the previous metal partitions. Overall, the new restrooms have been met with positive feedback from both staff and visitors.
“Everybody loves the way they came out,” said MacGovern. “It is a huge improvement over what we had.”
To learn more about Scranton Products Eclipse Partitions, please visit www.scrantonproducts.com or call 800-445-5148.
About Scranton Products:
With more than 30 years of experience, Scranton Products is the industry leader in plastic bathroom partitions and lockers. Endless design options and an array of designer colors and textures provide confidence and elegant style in every project, creating a lasting impression. Proudly made in the USA and constructed from premium-grade solid plastic, our products’ unmatched durability withstands impact, corrosion, graffiti and mildew. Backed by sustainable technologies and industry-leading warranties, with our partitions and lockers you are investing in peace of mind.