Unveiling one of two new plaques commemorating The Mill at MSU’s designation on the National Register of Historic Places are, from left, Officer Russell Branch of the National Park Service; MSU President Mark E. Keenum; Mark Castleberry of Castle Properties; and Deputy District Director Kyle Jordan of Congressman Michael Guest’s office. (Photo by Megan Bean)
STARKVILLE, Miss.—The Mill at Mississippi State now has two markers at its main entrances signaling the building’s designation on the National Register of Historic Places.
Officials from the university and the National Park Service were on hand to unveil the new plaques today [Sept. 30]. The repurposed building has been listed on the registry since 1975.
“Each time I step into this historic building, it is a pleasure to know our university and community have worked to preserve a special piece of history that is now being utilized as an economic development hub as we lead into the future,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum, who also serves on the board of trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
The historic John M. Stone Cotton Mill, formerly known as Mississippi State’s E.E. Cooley Building, began its transformation into a state-of-the-art conference and meeting complex with a 2014 groundbreaking. The collaborative effort involved public and private stakeholders, including Mark Castleberry of Castle Properties who led development. The community celebrated the completion of the $40-million economic development project in October 2015. During ceremonies to celebrate its opening, Keenum emphasized that what is good for Starkville and Oktibbeha County is good for Mississippi State University and vice-versa.
The Mill at MSU since has hosted numerous conferences, conventions, banquets, local meetings, bazaars and other special events. For more about the building, along with a timeline of its history, visit themillatmsu.com.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Read the full article from Mississippi State University here.