ANNISTON, Ala. — The Anniston City Council voted 4–1 Tuesday to approve a proposed mural on the east exterior wall of the former Kress building on Noble Street, concluding an eighteen-month review process that included two public comment periods, one site visit, and a presentation by the artist, who described the mural as "inspired by the region."

The mural, which will measure approximately 40 feet by 18 feet, will depict what the artist described as "the spirit of Calhoun County" in a palette of blues, greens, and what she called "an amber that reads warm in direct sunlight." The artist declined to provide a more detailed description prior to completion.

Mayor Lyle Henley, who voted in favor, called the approval "a defining moment for public art in Calhoun County" and said the mural would "tell our story in a way that words simply cannot." He said it again after the vote.

The dissenting vote came from Councilman Gary Abernathy, who cited concerns about the amber.

The mural is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. The artist said she would begin when conditions allow. No start date has been confirmed.

Dorothy Finch, director of Main Street Anniston, said the mural represented "exactly the kind of momentum we have been working toward." She called Noble Street "a canvas," then paused and said she meant that "in the figurative sense."

The former Kress building has been vacant since 2003.