Mill Developer Speaks

[ArcherSPS]

http://cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=40385

 

[pDigital32Dawg]

Excellent read, thanks for the link

I drove by the Mill last week and it has changed dramatically just in the past month. I'm really excited about what will come of this project.

 

[57stratdawg]

"Work on three additional projects on the property that were not part of the original plan will begin soon, although there is no timetable for completion as of yet. The new projects are a 6,500-square-foot fine dining restaurant and a 4,000-square-foot casual dining restaurant located on either side of The Mill, and a four-story mixed-use structure that will include 20 condominiums and retail space."

Good deal. Glad to see that falling in place.

 

[coach66]

It was tough getting in a restaurant this weekend for us. We need a few more

Good ones.

 

[57stratdawg]

Any picks? Haven't been the Starkville since the Vandy game.

 

[pDigital32Dawg]

No pics this go around. I will try to squeeze in some time and take some pictures on my next trip through Starkville and The Mill area. I couldn't pull it off with snowmaggedon this past week.

 

[KurtRambis4]

It'll never be ready in time****

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[Sounder68]

I haven't been in that part of Starkville in several years, but has there been any discussion or proposals to make the section of Hwy 12 that runs between Frat Row and The Mill more pedestrian friendly? It seems like that 4-lane highway is a real barrier between the The Mill and campus. Plus, with the "new" (at least new to me) Hwy 82 bypass, having an old school 4-lane highway thru that area is really unnecessary. It seems it would be worthwhile to make that section of Hwy 12 more like a city street/boulevard - at least the section between the Hump and Buffalo Wild Wings. It was always dangerous to cross at that intersection on foot or bike and I can only imagine it's as bad or worse now.

 

[Bulldogg31]

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I see this a lot. I'm guessing it was reference to football expansion?

 

[ArcherSPS]

That's actually the plan, they're going to make that whole area a good looking gateway to campus

 

[Hammer Down]

Quick question.....if Mark Castleberry does not own this land (article says it is MSU-owned), what is his role? Just sort of a general project manager/consultant? I assume all the construction was publicly bid, or does that not apply here? Consider me ignorant of how commercial development works, only development I have ever seen is the kind where a private owner develops his property then sells it.

 

[ronpolk]

Quick question.....if Mark Castleberry does not own this land (article says it is MSU-owned), what is his role? Just sort of a general project manager/consultant? I assume all the construction was publicly bid, or does that not apply here? Consider me ignorant of how commercial development works, only development I have ever seen is the kind where a private owner develops his property then sells it.

Castleberry signed a 55 year ground lease with MSU. So, Castleberry can operate the Cooley center (the mill) as if he owns the property. He will pay MSU a lease payment each year.

Castleberry actually owns the land that the hotel is being built on.

 

[Hammer Down]

Thanks for the info. Is he expected to hold onto the hotel property or sell it at completion?

 

[ronpolk]

Thanks for the info. Is he expected to hold onto the hotel property or sell it at completion?

I would imagine he will hold on to it. He's is partnered with peachtree hotel group to run the hotel. Peachtree also owns part of the hotel. Peachtree also runs/owns several hotels in Columbus and the Comfort Suites on Russell Street. They seem pretty vested in the area.