Underground Restrooms ? Yes it was a thing back in the 40s.in Pittsburgh

 Thou they where already closed permanently when I was a kid in 60s Pittsburgh had at least 3 different locations where you went down a set of steps along the sidewalk  which went down and under  the street where you could use a Restroom.

They had latest modern fixtures and Tile walls and where Seen as a convenience for the trolley commuters and  public instead of having to as ask to use a businesses restroom .

Sadly They also had separate Whites only and Colored  only sections during the Jim Crow Period ,

Which was another major reason why they where built if you where colored forget asking to use the restroom anywhere .

Because the city failed to properly maintain them. They became havens for Crime, Filth and Vandalism

They where then sealed off and eventually dug out and or then filled in and paved over in late 60s early 70s

 

http://iheartpgh.com/2017/05/17/east-liberty-1935-subterranean-public-bathrooms/

 

 

 

They where located at intersection on Butler & Penn Streets in lawrenceville 

Chestnut and E. Ohio Streets in North side and  Penn and Highland Ave's. in E. Liberty .

 

Above is picture of entrance to restrooms on butler street in Lawrenceville  and to right of dough boy statute is vent pipe for the restrooms which have been removed

 Chestnut street restroom entrance