Ironton working to upgrade, add to downtown area

IRONTON -- A move to revitalize downtown Ironton through adding apartment units, upgrading Depot Square and taking other steps are among the efforts planned by the city in coming months.

The steps include seeking funds for 34 one-and two-bedroom apartment units on South Third Street and a $928,000 project to upgrade Depot Square.

The city is eligible for state and federal funds for the sixth phase of the downtown revitalization project, said Ralph Kline, assistant executive director of the Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization.

"The goal is to bring more businesses and people downtown," Kline said. "We're also talking about adding public restrooms and additional parking in the area."

Ironton has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development. Some of those funds, about $160,000, is being set aside with other state money and is designated for making improvements along Depot Square, near Austyn's Restaurant.

One phase of the project calls for a farmers market and covered walkway to be installed near the former railroad depot building. Another proposal for which funds are being sought is an amphitheater, Mayor Rich Blankenship said.

"We have the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the area along with the annual motorcycle rally," Kline said. "We have Melini's and Austyn's in the area, along with Toro Loco. Those restaurants accommodate the crowds for the festivals and rallies held in the downtown. The festivals and the restaurants are critical components of downtown revitalization. All of them go to support the downtown."

Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher was in town last month to see how the state development dollars are helping with the revitalization plans, Kline said.

The city also is in line to get additional money for sidewalk improvements and lighting, and some local businesses are pitching in to make building improvements, he said. Joe Unger of Unger Shoes is among those committed to making improvements to downtown buildings, Kline said.

While some of the improvements can start this year, some will be in the design phase for about a year and won't happen until 2009, Kline said.

The community action organization also is working on the project called Ironton Lofts to be located at 222 S. 3rd St. The apartments will include historic renovation of two buildings in the downtown.