Castleberry’s Concrete to Condos: A Mississippi Success Story
In the heart of Mississippi, entrepreneurial spirit has found its champion in Mark Castleberry. With roots tracing back to Long Beach, California, Castleberry started his journey in the business world with two small concrete plants in 1992 and has since blossomed into one of the state’s leading megadevelopers.
From Concrete to Mega Development
Castleberry’s initial venture, a small ready-mix concrete company, was successful in its own right. “It’s good business, you know,” he reminisced about those early days. However, he quickly realized that the days of being a “little guy” in the concrete industry were waning, with larger companies dominating the scene. This awareness fueled his ambition to grow beyond the concrete business.
After relocating to West Point, Mississippi, with his wife Lisa, Castleberry saw the opportunity to expand and evolve. He diversified his business and launched Castle Properties, kicking off a series of projects that would change the face of Mississippi development.
A Journey Through Major Projects
Over the years, Castleberry has been involved in numerous high-profile developments, including The Mill at MSU. This ambitious project involved the transformation of a 1902 cotton mill into a bustling center that now houses the MSU Foundation and a variety of facilities, including a hotel and a grand ballroom. The entire venture cost a staggering $57 million. “When the trucks are rolling, you’re making money,” he noted, reflecting the drive behind his continued success.
But Castleberry’s ambitions didn’t stop there! His next milestone was the establishment of the Village at Madison, a $90 million project inspired by the nostalgic charm of the New Orleans Garden District. This endeavor includes residential lots and has seen a resurgence in interest following the arrival of Amazon in Madison County, which has sparked a noticeable uptick in real estate activity.
Weathering Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
As with many developers, Castleberry faced challenges during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially concerning restaurants and new developments. “It just sat, because everybody was scared to do anything,” he explained. Despite those setbacks, the Village at Madison has continued progressing with homes priced between $700,000 and $1.6 million.
One of 2021’s highlights was the successful renovation of the historic Rex Theatre in Starkville, bringing a piece of the past back to life while simultaneously catering to modern needs. Castleberry continued to invest in the area, completing the Triangle Crossing Development, anchored by popular chains like Aldi and Starbucks, adding vibrancy to the Highway 12 corridor.
A Legacy in the Making
Recently, he sold his interest in The Mill at MSU, which provided the capital for his new venture, 110 Mill. This upcoming mixed-use development is set to feature high-end apartments and retail space, taking advantage of a prime location with nearby amenities like a future MSU Visitor Center and an amphitheater.
Family plays a crucial role in Castleberry’s endeavors as well. In 2019, his son, Luke, joined the business, bringing fresh energy and ideas. Together, they are forging a path that ensures the legacy of Castle Properties continues to thrive in Mississippi’s development landscape.
What Lies Ahead
As for what’s next on the horizon for Castleberry? “We have a lot of opportunities to present themselves to us,” he mentioned, acknowledging that the wheels of opportunity are always turning. With numerous projects in the works and new ideas constantly emerging, it’s clear that this Mississippi megadeveloper has plenty of exciting chapters still to write.
In a place buzzing with new developments, insights, and community engagements, Mark Castleberry’s story exemplifies what it means to grow, adapt, and thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of business. Mississippi is lucky to have such a dynamic force at work!
