When Kelli Johnson took over ownership of a 30-year-old laundromat on Milwaukee’s East Side, she wanted to create a place offering more than a spot to wash clothes. In November she introduced The Washroom, 2706 N. Murray Ave.
“I wanted to make it a comfortable, third space,” says Johnson. “I only have so much room, but this is not just a laundromat.”
Johnson started the transformation with a vigorous deep cleaning followed by wallpaper removal. She then painted the walls bold retro colors – dark green and rust and gold. She has plans for more art and possibly a mural in the future.
The space is filled with natural light and upbeat music. There’s also a lending library, folding station, seating area, cute signage and a vending machine that dispenses detergent, Midwest Sad bakery items, tarot cards, Narcan, condoms, Plan B pills and more.
"I keep running out. I need to restock," says Johnson.
So far, the public reception has surpassed Johnson's expectations. "It was packed in here this weekend," she says. "People were getting their laundry done, hanging out, doing homework. It was really cool. Exactly what I envisioned."
Someday, Johnson would like to expand into one of the neighboring storefronts and add a cafe.
This week, The Washroom will receive 17 new washing machines. For now, customers will continue to pay with quarters – there’s a quarter machine onsite – but soon Johnson will add the option to pay with cards.
“We’ll slowly roll people into it,” says Johnson.
The new machines will cost $3 per cycle, but can accommodate larger loads and are substantially more water and energy-efficient, something very important to Johnson. She will retain a few of the old machines that cost $1.50 per load to ensure her customers have options.
Johnson aims that people, when choosing a place to wash clothing, will support her indie laundromat and community hangspot.
“I hope people will think about where they want to spend their money and choose a small business when doing so,” says Johnson. “Every quarter matters here.”
The Washroom is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Follow The Washroom on Facebook and Instagram.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
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