The first phase of South Station’s restroom renovations was completed with the opening of the station’s new women’s restrooms this morning.

"The construction team at South Station is proud to deliver the newly renovated women’s restroom," said Mark Smith, market managing director at Equity Office, which completed the renovations. "We thank commuters for their patience while we undergo these changes."

South Station restroom changes include the creation of an airport-quality ladies room in the former Clark’s space. The accessible restroom fixtures will increase from 16 to 20. An expanded, high-quality men’s restroom is currently under construction, and the existing men’s restroom will be moved temporarily during construction to the former women’s room. The construction barrier around the Red Line elevator has been installed and work is being conducted at night. Additional security and signage is in place to direct commuters to the new restroom area.

CVS/pharmacy is planning to begin construction of its two-level store complete with an escalator and elevator this month with a planned opening in the spring 2014.

Gilbane Building Co. has been contracted to carry out the landlord improvements in South Station.