Speaker 2 and Speaker 1 presented a proposal for a Foundry District incubator in downtown Anniston, saying the idea draws from the city’s comprehensive and economic development plans and Main Street Alabama’s five‑year strategy. They said the site, located near the federal courthouse and adjacent to a trail, would combine park space with small flexible retail bays to lower start‑up risk for new businesses.

The presenters pointed to recent downtown gains as rationale: "Downtown Anniston has added 104 new businesses and was designated as a Main Street town in 2014," Speaker 2 said, adding that public and private investment downtown has totaled "over $70,000,000." Speaker 1 described the Main Street four‑point approach—promotion, design, economic vitality and organization—and said the project is intended to tie into Anniston’s emphasis on outdoor sports, recreation and tourism.

Under the proposal, incubator bays would be modular garage‑style spaces that new businesses could occupy with flexibility. "They could be, you know, 15 by 15 or 20 by 20 spaces," Speaker 2 said, noting the design allows businesses to take one bay or multiple bays depending on needs. Speaker 1 said the project team originally examined smaller 12‑by‑12 units but increased sizes to provide more flexibility.

Speakers said the Foundry would be linked to local business training: Get Up Anniston, a free small‑business class series now in its third cohort, produced 40 graduates in its first combined sessions and has led to 14 new businesses opening since January. Presenters said participation in similar training would be encouraged for prospective Foundry tenants.

Funding and sponsorship options were discussed: Speaker 1 said the project team has begun conversations with potential sponsors and outlined Foundry sponsorship tiers, including a "Wall of Founders" and an annual festival to celebrate district businesses and program graduates. The presentation also referenced an awarded grant identified in the materials as the Paul Broom Historic Remodelization Grant.

Presenters emphasized design elements intended to connect the Foundry to Main Street and the nearby trail, adding crosswalks, on‑street angled parking, sidewalks and a small entry plaza. They said the plan favors park‑like landscaping and pedestrian gateways to draw trail users into retail and dining options.

The presentation concluded with an overview of phasing, projected construction economic impact (excluding rental income) and early conversations with sponsors; no formal council action or vote on the Foundry project was recorded in the presentation.