Wayfarer Theaters is not your typical mainstream cinema. Standing apart from mainstream cinemas by countering Hollywood’s glorification of violence, this theater exclusively showcases films that emphasize spiritual and uplifting human stories. Their carefully curated programming highlights the voices of people of color and the best of humanity.

Wayfarer Theaters’ mission is to inspire, unite, and enrich the soul, playing a pivotal role in helping the Highland Park, Illinois, community heal after the tragic Fourth of July parade massacre in 2022. In line with this mission, they avoid films depicting mass violence and created a first-of-its-kind space that provides a tranquil experience.

“As opposed to the glitz and glamor of traditional movie theaters with lots of flashing neon lights and sensory overload, we wanted to mute the overall experience and create a serene environment for our guests to come into,” said Clayton Stamper, Managing Director at Wayfarer Theaters.

The building was designed with the idea that the theater is a mountain and the positive film content flows down and spreads through the streets like a river. The team recognized the importance of continuing the natural, elevated experience in the restrooms.

“To offer the most premium experience, guests need to feel the most comfortable in the places where they are most vulnerable,” said Stamper. “The theaters originally opened in February 2023. Shortly after opening our doors, we realized that the building and the restrooms needed serious upgrades instead of looking like a high school locker room from the 1980s.”

Emphasizing Comfort and Privacy

The restrooms were updated with Scranton Products® Eclipse Partitions® and wall-mounted urinal partitions. According to Stamper, these products stood out because of their high level of privacy and contemporary European look with hidden hardware for clean aesthetics. The hammered texture of the partitions creates a heightened and sophisticated feel that matches the natural design theme.

“Whenever you just push open a stall door, you feel the hammered texture on your hands. It’s an interesting, cool element to have in a space,” said Stamper.

Boris Cubas, Principal Architect at OoMo Studios served as the lead designer for the upgrades. He said, “We liked Scranton Products patterned HDPE selections and colors to provide an upgraded appearance.  Our client was impressed with the added privacy, heavy-duty hinges, and latch with occupancy indicator. We selected HDPE material for its scratch resistance, impact resistance, ability to withstand chemicals and solvents, recyclable qualities, and sustainability. The restrooms get a lot of use, and we wanted a material that would be easy to clean and maintain its looks over time.”

Being a community-driven space, ensuring the restrooms were welcoming, private, and cohesive with the overall theater design was crucial. The harsh overhead lighting was replaced with warm lighting. Natural tones, stone, and slate tiles were used throughout to align with the lobby’s theme, and the stainless steel color of the Eclipse partitions added to the serenity of the space. Made from durable HDPE material, the partitions are impermeable to moisture, preventing mold and mildew growth and ensuring they will never rust.

At first, the design team opted not to add urinal dividers. But after receiving feedback from community stakeholders, they realized the importance of providing more options. It’s part of the theater’s core mission to be an inclusive space, and the community’s perspective opened their eyes to the fact that having increased privacy would put some users more at ease.

Other upgrades aimed to achieve a simple, sleek design that would stand the test of time. They replaced self-flushing toilets with manual handles for sinks, soap dispensers, and commodes to ensure reliability and ease of use, avoiding common issues with sensor-based technology. This approach simplifies the restroom experience and makes it timeless.

Results and Feedback

The restroom upgrades at Wayfarer Theaters represent a thoughtful commitment to creating a serene and inspiring environment that aligns with their mission to uplift viewers. By integrating high-quality Scranton Products Eclipse Partitions, the renovations not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also prioritize durability, cleanliness, and privacy.

“The most compliments we’ve received since reopening have been about the restroom upgrades, highlighting the positive impact they’ve had on making people more comfortable,” said Stamper.

This transformation is more than a typical upgrade; it reflects Wayfarer Theaters’ dedication to providing a continuous experience for its visitors, ensuring that every aspect of their visit—down to the restrooms—contributes to a positive atmosphere.

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.