The three-story Goncho apartment building that has been vacant since a methamphetamine lab was found inside in late 2012 is now one step closer to being torn down.

At Tuesday’s Washington City Council meeting Mayor Jaron Rosien answered a question from the public about why the building was not being rehabilitated, “Well ultimately methamphetamine would have impacted the ability to rehab. Also, there was valiant attempts made by Hobart Restoration, the state of Iowa through tax credits, basically every attempt to rehab that facility was pursued. And it was not a viable project, it was not viable economically. And now we have a great plan in front of us.”

The council unanimously approved a demolition permit for the building, formerly known as Pennsylvania House at 306 North Marion Avenue. The next step is for a public hearing to be held to amend the downtown urban renewal plan which will be February 6th. The property will be developed to have six townhouses.