Thursday groundbreaking for The Mill at MSU

The Mill at Mississippi State University will break ground at 600 Russell Street in Starkville on Thursday [March 20]. Open to all, the public ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. at the E.E. Cooley Building, the former home to MSU’s Facilities Management operations.

The $40-million, mixed-use development features three main projects: transforming the landmark former cotton mill into a conference center and related office space, building an adjacent hotel and parking garage, and developing mixed-use business parcels in the land around the university's old physical plant.

This week's groundbreaking ceremony is the result of a multi-year, collaborative effort by the university, elected officials, economic developers and private interests to preserve the best of the National Register of Historic Places-listed cotton mill while creating new economic opportunities.

The official program will feature university leaders, elected officials and the developer.