STARKVILLE, Mississippi — A comprehensive plan has recently been completed for the new 15-acre Crossroads District in Starkville, Mississippi. The project will feature a boutique hotel, restaurants and retail stores on the land between the Mississippi State University campus and Starkville’s Cotton District.
A 122-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel will anchor the Crossroads District. Construction of the hotel is set to begin in October, with the opening planned for summer 2027. Hotel Madelon, as it will be known, is being designed to celebrate the legacy of MSU and the culture of Starkville. Named in honor of the university’s original fight song, the hotel will be positioned on a prime site along University Drive. It will include a full-service restaurant showcasing local flavors and a rooftop bar offering campus views.
Tribute Portfolio hotels are known for their story-driven designs, offering boutique experiences rooted in the personality and history of their destinations. Hotel Madelon will combine MSU’s traditions, Starkville’s arts and culinary scenes, and the region’s rich cultural heritage into its design and guest experiences.
The hotel will be managed by Charlestowne Hotels, a leading hospitality management company known for operating distinctive, award-winning properties across the country. Charlestowne brings decades of experience in collegiate hospitality to the role.
As the development progresses, future phases will include a multifaceted district offering year-round amenities for students, faculty, staff, residents and visitors. An entertainment district will offer local restaurants, retail shops and entertainment venues, along with on-site housing options for faculty and staff.
The development’s cultural centerpiece will include a new home for the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library. A planned pedestrian land bridge over Highway 12 will provide direct access between the university and the development, and a 700-space parking garage is planned on the north side of University Drive near the district.
The driving force behind the master plan is Mississippi State University, in collaboration with West Side Funds, a for-profit affiliate of the Mississippi State University Foundation. The area has been granted qualified resort status by the Mississippi legislature, clearing the way for thoughtful development and strategic growth.
“This transformative project is about creating an exciting, vibrant hub that reflects the spirit of Mississippi State University while providing incredible opportunities for entertainment, innovation, and collaboration,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “We are proud to deliver a development that will serve our students, faculty, staff, alumni, local community, and state of Mississippi for generations to come.”
For more information, visit msucrossroads.com.
