MSU Unveils Crossroads District: Boutique Hotel, Cultural Hub Planned for Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State University has announced plans for a transformative 15-acre mixed-use development that will connect campus with the Cotton District, featuring a boutique hotel, restaurants, retail, residential living, and cultural landmarks.

The project, unveiled Aug. 20, will be known as the Crossroads District and is anchored by the planned Hotel Madelon, a 122-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio property. Construction on the hotel is scheduled to begin in October, with an anticipated opening in summer 2027.

MSU partnered with West Side Funds Inc., a for-profit affiliate of the MSU Foundation, to bring the master plan to life. The Mississippi Legislature has granted the development qualified resort status, paving the way for broad growth opportunities.

A Vision for Community Growth

MSU President Mark E. Keenum called the project “a vibrant hub that reflects the spirit of Mississippi State University,” adding that it will provide new opportunities for entertainment, innovation, and collaboration.

“This development will serve our students, faculty, staff, alumni, the local community, and the state of Mississippi for generations to come,” Keenum said.

John Rush, president and CEO of the MSU Foundation, described the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. “It will be something new students will want to be part of, and something alumni will be excited to return to,” Rush said.

Hotel Madelon: A Cultural Landmark

Phase I centers on Hotel Madelon, named after MSU’s original fight song. The property will feature a full-service restaurant highlighting local cuisine, a rooftop bar with views of campus, and boutique design elements that blend university traditions with Starkville’s arts and culinary culture.

The hotel will be operated by Charlestowne Hotels, a management company recognized for distinctive collegiate hospitality properties across the U.S.

Future Development Phases

As the district expands, plans include:

• Entertainment District: Local restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues linking campus, the Cotton District, and downtown Starkville.
• Cultural Landmarks: A new home for the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, enhancing MSU’s status as one of just six universities nationwide to host a presidential library.
• Pedestrian Land Bridge: A walkway over Highway 12 to safely connect campus and the district.
• Residential Living: Housing options for faculty, staff, and students to support a year-round community.
• Innovation Hub: Research and office spaces designed to attract startups and businesses near MSU’s Thad Cochran Research Park.
• Parking Solutions: A 700-space parking garage on University Drive.

Broad Support and Partnerships

The project brings together nationally recognized partners including CAP Development Group, Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors, Cooper Carry Architects, KTGY, The Saturday Crowd, U3 Advisors, CBRE Hotels Advisory, and several others.

Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill said the project is a milestone for the city. “This partnership represents a defining moment for Starkville. We couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come,” she said.

With its location along University Drive, the Crossroads District aims to become a premier destination for the 3.5 million annual visitors to Starkville, blending culture, community, and economic opportunity.