ANNISTON– The Anniston City Council will consider supporting a federal funding application Tuesday for the McClellan Lofts redevelopment.
The proposal seeks assistance from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. City officials hope the support will help advance the housing project.
The council’s Aug. 4 work-session agenda calls for designating the redevelopment as a “Catalyst Economic Development Project.”
A separate resolution on the formal meeting agenda would support the federal application.
The work session begins at 4:30 p.m. The formal meeting will follow at 5:30 p.m.
Both meetings will take place in the council chambers at Anniston City Hall. City Hall is located at 1129 Noble Street.
However, current city documents do not identify the requested funding amount. They also omit the specific EDA program and any required local contribution.
In addition, the agendas do not explain which infrastructure projects the federal money could support.
Council approval would only support the application. It would not guarantee a federal grant or authorize construction.
Council Previously Endorsed Incentives
Tuesday’s proposal marks the city’s latest public action involving McClellan Lofts.
The council’s official March 3 minutes show that members unanimously endorsed economic-development incentives for the project.
Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston supported the resolution. Council members Lewis Downing, Erica Tolson, Joe Harrington, and Julie Moss also voted for it.
According to The Anniston Star, the resolution outlined several possible forms of city assistance.
The plan could establish a 25-year tax-increment financing district. It could also provide approximately 6.6 acres of adjoining city property.
Other possible incentives include city sales-tax rebates on construction materials and permit-fee reductions.
Additionally, city officials agreed to help pursue grants for infrastructure and public improvements.
The city has not released the estimated value of those incentives. Officials also have not finalized a development agreement.
Plans Call for Market-Rate Apartments
In March 2025, developer John Kennedy presented plans for the project.
Kennedy proposed converting 10 historic buildings into 160 market-rate apartments, according to the Calhoun Journal.
The first phase would contain 79 apartments. Developers planned to use historic-preservation tax credits and a federal housing loan.
They also identified two major obstacles. Those challenges involved high construction costs and relocating a sewer line.
The National Park Service lists the Fort McClellan Industrial Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
The federal agency added the district to the register in 2006.
First Phase Now on the Market
Meanwhile, a current commercial real-estate listing markets the first phase for $3.5 million.
The offering covers 7.79 acres at 237 Symphony Way. It includes eight historic buildings with approximately 70,000 square feet.
Plans call for 79 apartments. The proposed mix includes 50 one-bedroom units and 29 two-bedroom units.
The seller says the project has secured approximately $7.47 million in state and federal historic tax credits.
The listing also advertises environmental approvals, development plans, and an invitation to pursue federal housing financing.
Those statements come from the seller. Government agencies have not independently confirmed them.
The council agendas do not name the project’s current owner or developer. They also do not address the property’s availability for sale.
Therefore, the listing’s effect on the federal application and city incentives remains unclear.
Federal Application Details Remain Unclear
The Economic Development Administration operates several programs that support infrastructure, private investment, and job creation.
For example, the agency’s Public Works program can assist water, sewer, and brownfield projects.
Anniston has not identified which EDA program would receive the McClellan Lofts application.
Officials also have not disclosed the city’s financial obligations if the project receives federal assistance.
Council members will discuss the proposal during Tuesday’s work session. They will then consider the resolution during the formal meeting.
A favorable vote would still leave several steps unfinished. The project would need federal approval, finalized financing, and a construction schedule.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Anniston Adopts New Bar and Tavern Regulations as License Moratorium Expires
You must be logged in to post a comment.