PROJECT: Starkville CVB Lobby Renovation

Downtown Starkville, Mississippi, is undergoing significant downtown renovations on Main Street, part of a broader effort to create a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment with outdoor dining and better accessibility, alongside developments like the new Crossroads District featuring hotels and shops, all aiming to boost local business and visitor appeal.

An important first step in that endeavor was a refreshed lobby and welcome space for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, located in the heart of downtown. The Partnership is made up of four components: Starkville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Starkville Main Street Association (SMSA), Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority (OCEDA), and Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Partnership members worked with the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area to use grant funding to assist with the renovation. What was once a dark and dated space filled with pamphlets is now a bright and cheerful welcome center that features digital information kiosks and display cases showcasing artifacts from the collections of Mitchell Memorial Library at Mississippi State University.

Now, visitors are drawn in to explore the lobby display, resulting in increased foot traffic to the downtown office. Visitors have noticed the artifacts through the windows and come inside to explore and learn more. An additional benefit of the project has been strengthening the relationship between Partnership members and the MSU Library museum staff and curators.