At many beaches, renovating the bathhouse would be a simple project with little fuss. Crane Beach is going all out.
The new bathhouse — which includes composting toilets — is part of a $1.7 million project that carries The Trustees of Reservations’ message of conservation and preservation.
“Believe it or not, the old bathhouses were cherished,’’ said Peter Pinciaro, general manager of the Crane Estate, which includes the beach. “We got a lot of feedback about wanting to keep the charm and timeless look. For 60 years, they hadn’t changed.’’
Through the use of Clivus Multrum composting toilets, Crane Beach will be able to reduce water use by 90 percent. The toilets are also installed at other Trustees locations such as The Old Manse in Concord and Misery Islands in Salem, Pinciaro said.
He said the solid waste from the facilities will be used to help make wood shavings and peat moss.
The bathhouse retains its treasured wood exterior. Created by Hamilton’s Allsopp Design, the fully accessible bathhouse boasts exposed timber beams, natural pine paneling, and skylights to brighten up the interior.
“It’s very simply, intuitively laid out,’’ said Pinciaro. “We used local materials as much as we could. I’m also happy about the increased capacity for the women’s bathhouse. It will be a better experience for women.’’
The women’s restrooms have gone from 10 to 14 stalls and the area has been redesigned so the changing rooms are near the doorway, in an attempt to cut down on wait times.
Two additional individual restrooms that open onto the bathhouse deck will be heated for year-round use.
New amenities for beachgoers include the Snack Shack, which opens on Memorial Day weekend and will offer hot dogs, sandwiches, and drinks, as well as grass-fed beef hamburgers from the Trustees’ Appleton Farms.
“I believe we’ll be the only beach refreshment stand in the region with 100 percent Ipswich, natural, grass-fed beef,’’ Pinciaro said.
Another new feature is a retail shop, which will offer towels, sunscreen, and other beach necessities as well as branded T-shirts and other gifts.
The bathhouse opened on Wednesday, May 25, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Christina Bagni can be reached at christina.bagni@globe.com.
