Main Street Anniston — Outreach Email

Hi, My name is Matt Headley. I work at the Anniston Downtown Market and I'm in the early stages of planning a permanent presence in downtown Anniston — specifically on Noble Street. Here's what I'm building: My wife Heather runs Heather Florals, a growing floral design business that currently operates out of our home. We need a studio with a walk-in cooler and loading access for wholesale deliveries — a former restaurant or bar space is the ideal fit because the infrastructure is already there. Alongside that, I'm planning two nonprofit organizations: one is Southern Legends, a journalism project documenting Alabama history, and the other is a food sovereignty nonprofit focused on community food access. That second one would directly support a community garden project I know Karla at the Downtown Market is working on — raised garden beds on the empty city lot adjacent to the market. We'd love to be the nonprofit sponsor behind that grant application. I'm also building The Aisle, a bridal expo company. Our first expo is at AMAG in October 2026. A Noble Street address would give The Aisle a year-round home for vendor meetings and pop-up events. I've been researching Noble Street properties, and I know Main Street Anniston works with building owners on exactly this kind of revitalization. I'd love to have a conversation about: 1. Any vacant storefronts — particularly former food and beverage spaces — that might not be publicly listed yet. 2. Whether the $750,000 historic revitalization grant covers code compliance work in buildings we're considering. 3. The Main Street Friends grant — I understand the window opens in October. What does a strong application look like? I'm a serious prospect, not a tire-kicker. We're planning a Q1 2028 lease target, with nonprofit registrations moving earlier. Happy to meet in person on Noble Street. Thank you for what you're doing for downtown Anniston. The momentum is real. Matt Headley mpheadley@gmail.com theaisle.app | heatherflorals.com | matthewheadley.com