RALEIGH — The Empire Hotel renovation project cleared another hurdle when it was approved by the North Carolina Local Government Commission.

The commission unanimously approved the project Tuesday afternoon in Raleigh.

At its Aug. 7 meeting, the Salisbury City Council unanimously approved authorizing the city to enter a master lease for the project and designate the Empire Hotel and Block-Montgomery Ward Department Store a landmark destination.

Janet Gapen, the city’s planning director, said during the August meeting that once the council approved the renovation project, the Local Government Commission would have to approve the project as well.

According to developer Britt Weaver, the project has been stalled for several months while waiting on the “official go.”

The master lease would offer the developer part of the commercial space once occupied by Montgomery Ward for 10 years at $12 per square foot. The 13,319-square-foot space would generate about $160,000 per year.

The developer has said there are possibilities for a co-working space on the first floor and mezzanine with renovated apartments on the upper floors. The basement could be used as storage space for residents

Plans include about 62 parking spaces and 50 to 65 apartment units.