The historic Inez Hotel in downtown Brookhaven is now under thesole ownership of Paul Jackson, who helped restore the structure toits turn of the century splendor in 1986.

Jackson said he and Barbara Sproles, wife of the lateco-developer John “Dub” Sproles, reached an agreement last week forhim to purchase her stock in the restored hotel. Jackson said heenjoyed working with Barbara since she became part owner followingher husband’s death in 1991.

“She’s been good to work with,” Jackson said. “Our workingrelationship has been great.”

Jackson said he planned no changes in operation of the hotel,which was converted into apartments during the restoration. He saidEdna Sones will continue as manager.

In 1986, Jackson and Mr. Sproles purchased the Inez, which is adowntown landmark, as the first step toward restoring it to itsoriginal state as in 1904. Following the restoration, the buildingwas to be used for apartments, business offices and arestaurant.

After a year and a half, some of the apartments were ready foroccupancy, Jackson said.

In 1992, the building was placed on the National HistoricalRegistry.

Jackson is a life-long Brookhaven resident. He said he, his wifeCharlotte, daughter Jennifer Whittier and son Paul W. continue tohave an interest in seeing Brookhaven stay beautiful, and the Inezhas been a part of their efforts.

“Our family has always been supportive of downtown,” Jacksonsaid.