For nearly two decades, Sacred Heart Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts, has been steadily renovating its historic building, tackling projects as resources allowed. However, the basement restrooms serving the church hall still needed attention. When a longtime parishioner joked that the restrooms were “scary,” Brother Gerard knew it was time to prioritize a much-needed update.

“Our restrooms were outdated, probably last renovated 50 or 60 years ago, and it showed,” Brother Gerard said. “Partitions were peeling, rusted, and it was getting harder to clean them because the material was falling apart. Even after cleaning them, they didn’t look clean because they were so run down.”

Privacy, Modesty, and a Fresh New Look

Privacy was a top priority for the renovation. Brother Gerard envisioned a modern men’s restroom with better lighting, a brighter color palette, and partitions that would offer real privacy, not just for restroom use, but also for volunteers who sometimes need a space to change clothes.

Designed for high privacy and built from durable HDPE material, Scranton Products’ Aria Partitions® met both the practical and aesthetic goals of the project. To further enhance comfort, urinal privacy screens were added to address concerns that had been overlooked in the past. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity operating on a limited budget, the church was mindful of every investment. Scranton Products worked with the parish to provide a discount, helping them secure high-quality partitions that would deliver long-term value.

“Because we’re a church, modesty is important. I wanted partitions that offered much more privacy, so finding the right solution was the first design choice that influenced the rest of the renovation,” Brother Gerard explained. “Keeping in mind I don’t want to have to go through a restroom renovation again, they needed to be durable and high-quality.”

Aria Partitions feature overlapping edges, continuous edge-mounted hinges, and floor-mounted side panels for optimal comfort and privacy. Their clean lines mean easier maintenance and fewer crevices for dirt to collect. Aria is also moisture-resistant, low-maintenance, and are natural germ resistant*.

Drawing inspiration from online research, Brother Gerard selected other materials that would brighten the restrooms and stand the test of time. New gray-and-white epoxy floors, fresh tiling, and modern fixtures completed the full transformation of the restrooms.

Renovating Restrooms on a Budget

Construction came with its share of hurdles, especially since Sacred Heart had limited resources to work with. The installation itself was handled largely by parish volunteers, which brought both benefits and complications. “That was both good and challenging,” said Brother Gerard. “Because everyone has different commitments, it stretched out the timeline longer than we had hoped.”

When it came to plumbing fixtures, some flush valves and faucets didn’t function properly, requiring returns and replacements. On the plus side, the team found that Aria Partitions arrived on time, were straightforward to install, and performed as expected.

Setting the Standard for Future Renovations

Despite the challenges, the results have been well worth the wait. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and one contractor even commented that the finished restroom looked like something from a hotel. Improved privacy, lighting, a bright new mirror, and a clean, modern design have completely changed the atmosphere from scary to sacred.

With one restroom now complete, Sacred Heart plans to use it as a model for two more upcoming restroom renovations. Brother Gerard is confident the new design will continue to serve the parish well for years to come.

“Everyone who’s seen it says, ‘Wow, this is great,'” said Brother Gerard. “I think our parishioners will be very pleased when all the restrooms are complete.”

To learn more about Scranton Products Aria 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.

*About our brands’ health and safety: https://www.scrantonproducts.com/better-safety/