After three years of planning, the College View Development is set to be built by August 2019.
The multi-phase development will cost approximately $67 million and will be built on a 34-acre section of campus. The location is at the former Akien Village site across from highway 12 and on the same side of the street as the Humphrey Coliseum.
Despite examples of the public-private partnership at other universities, the College View Development will be the first development of its kind in Mississippi.
“I appreciate the support of the Board of Trustees, as we have worked steadily over the past three years to bring this first-of-its-kind project to a Mississippi University campus,” MSU President Mark Keenum said in an issued statement.
David Shaw, vice president for the Office of Research and Economic Development, said there will be apartments, including a clubhouse, pool and exercise facility. So far, Shaw said he has heard optimistic responses from people across campus and in the community.
“We have had a great deal of positive feedback from students, faculty and particularly the community,” Shaw said. “This, coupled with other developments, is going to be a major step forward in further developing the interface between campus and the community.”
The College View Development will include studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and four bedroom style apartments which will use electronic key fobs.
Regina Hyatt, vice president of student affairs, said she believes the facilities will attract students to live at the development and prices will also be fair.
“The pricing is anticipated to be very comparable to what the campus housing markets currently is, as well as off-campus housing,” Hyatt said. “I am thinking we will have a product that is very attractive to students depending on what their budget is.”
Hyatt said this will encourage more students to live on campus since this style is unique. Unlike dorms, these apartments will have a 12-month lease, allowing students the opportunity to stay on campus during breaks when the dormitories are closed.
In the coming months, Hyatt said there will be opportunities for design charrettes, allowing students to come look at and review potential interior designs and furniture for the residential portion of housing.
However, Hyatt said this development will appeal to more than just students living on campus. This space will attract students, members of the community and local visitors.
A green space between the two main buildings will be a space to hold markets on campus and allow people to socialize or play with their pets. This space includes an amphitheater/stage to hold concerts or events.
Along with the housing and outdoor area, there will be approximately 50,000 square feet of retail space available on the first floors of the two main apartment buildings. 
Hyatt said they are unsure which businesses will be housed there, but they are looking for full-service restaurants and the kinds of shopping students would be excited about. Hyatt said she hopes to have updates as the development progresses.
“I expect that students who don’t live in College View will also be absolutely engaged in this area,” Hyatt said. “I can imagine us having outdoor festivals, a markets or a concert out in the grass area and common space.”