The Victorian-style greenhouse on the west side of Tacoma’s Wright Park will get much-needed public restrooms next year.

The public is invited to an informational meeting about the planned addition and future phased additions and improvements to the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory at 6 p.m. Jan. 12 at Metro Parks Tacoma headquarters ( 4702 S. 19th St., Tacoma).

The meeting follows a series of planning meetings held earlier in 2016 to discuss possible conservatory improvements and expansion. In the process, participants identified public restrooms as the top priority. Right now, conservatory visitors must cross to the other side of the park to reach the nearest public restrooms.

Metro Parks Tacoma Commissioner Andrea Smith is pleased with the progress being made and encourages people to come to the meeting to find out more.

“My family has enjoyed the conservatory since I was a child,” Smith said. “Knowing that this is the first step to enhance the visitors’ experience is very welcome.”

Metro Parks plans to construct the restroom facility at ground level, and attached to the west side of the conservatory’s north wing. It will be built to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards for access, said Project Manager Kristi Evans. The goal is to complete construction by December 2017.

Beyond 2017, plans are in the works for a phased expansion of the building, which over time will add more exhibit space, a new entry lobby and additional improvements. The plans were shaped with community feedback through a series of public meetings earlier this year, surveys of conservatory visitors and website visitors and other public comments.

 – Metro Parks