A meeting with property owners about renovating, revitalizing and improving downtown Ironton this past December spawned lots of thoughts and ideas from everyone who attended. Those thoughts and ideas will again be discussed at a follow-up meeting this Friday.

“The workshop is being held in order for us to better understand the needs of downtown building owners and to understand how we can help,” Sam Heighton, Lawrence Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) housing research director, said.

At the first meeting the possibility of renovating upper floor spaces to living spaces in downtown Ironton was discussed as well as a program for improving building facades and upper floor spaces. Friday’s workshop will seek more input from property owners, outline about what help is available and discuss property that is for sale.

LEDC Executive Director Dr. Bill Dingus, Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship, Ralph Kline and Cindy Anderson from the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization, Mike Asebrook of Asebrook Associates from Columbus and Heighton will be presenters at the meeting.

“We are inviting property owners, private investors and bankers to take part,” Heighton said. “The outcome of this workshop can be another positive step for downtown Ironton.”

Heighton requests anyone who wishes to attend but cannot to send a representative.

The meeting will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday in the private room at Giovanni’s Restaurant, corner of Park Avenue and Seventh Street in Ironton.

“Ironton is on the move,” Heighton said. “This is your chance to be part of it.”