The plan to turn Whitwell School into a small apartment complex is a step closer, as owner of the property and developer Jack Hager had partial plans approved by the state for stairwell construction as well as interior framework construction. Hager already had a demolition permit for the property.

“After being approved from the state, he sends us a copy of his plans,” Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith said. “He falls within our zoning requirements.”

The property is in a Residential-2 zone.

The Whitwell School property sits on five parcels of land. Hager’s plans include splitting the building into three separate buildings with breezeways in-between; two with four apartment units, and one with two apartment units, making 10 total units. At least for now, the gym will be left standing, adding to the three apartments buildings.

Keith said Bill Toole, chief building official of the Lawrence County Building Department, who Hager has been working with from the state, will be present at the next Ironton City Council meeting on Thursday, Sept. 22.

Also at council:

Ordinance 16-36, amending the annual operating budget for the city of Ironton for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2016, and declaring an emergency was adopted after a favorable recommendation from the finance committee.