Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi State University has chosen a new contractor to preserve a former cotton mill as part of a commercial development.

The College Board voted Thursday to sell 1.1 acres near what MSU calls the Cooley Building to developer Mark Castleberry for $460,000.

The Starkville structure was built in 1902.

Castleberry plans to develop a Courtyard by Marriott or similar hotel at the site.

The sale will only be completed if MSU can reach a deal with Castleberry for renovation of the Cooley Building and development of adjoining MSU property.

In 2010, the College Board approved a plan by developer Mark Nicholas of Ridgeland that called for the Cooley Building to be renovated into a convention center. After the contract with Nicholas expired, MSU called for new proposals and chose Castleberry.