Video: Starkville Project Managers React to Groundbreaking for Cooley Building

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — The Cotton Mill projects is one that’s been a decade in the works.

Developers and project managers have high hopes for the $40 million project.

“I’m excited this project is about to happen. This beautiful old lady needs renovating,” says Michael Muzzi.

Michael Muzzi has spent the last 10 years helping designers and planners map out the future for the Cooley building.

Now, construction is officially underway, Muzzi is looking forward to the final product.

“I’m excited about what it is going to do to this community and the town and gown after between here and the university,” says Muzzi.

The facility that once ran as a cotton mill in the early 1900s will be transformed into a high tech facility, offering everything from office space to a parking garage.

Muzzi hopes the renovation will revive the facility.

“In the past 40 years it’s been used as storage…40 to 50 years and no body sees it but this is gorgeous,” says Muzzi.

For almost 60 years, the Cooley building operated as its own community. Through reconstruction, developers hope to bring the small village back to life.

“We’ll be using the existing structure super structure but what will also recognized the value of the open face brick, we’ll be using the original windows and we’ll be able to really highlight that style of architecture,” says Shaw.

Many hope The Mill will serve as both a historic reminder and a sign of Starkville’s economic growth.

“We’re going to have the opportunity to change perception of Mississippi state and about Mississippi by being able to bring people in and show a world-class conference facility,” says Shaw.

The Cotton Mill was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1975.

The facility should be completed Fall of 2015.

Categories: Local News

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