The Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Hotel stands as a testament to Crain Construction’s commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and complex projects. As the tallest structure within a two-mile radius of the Nashville International Airport (BNA), this 298-room, ten-story hotel represents one of the most high-profile commercial developments in the city. The project was an exciting and significant achievement for Crain, requiring extensive coordination, strategic planning, and innovative solutions to overcome the unique challenges posed by constructing a full-service hotel at an active airport.
A Landmark Achievement
The Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Hotel project is one of the largest and most high-profile commercial projects in Crain Construction’s portfolio. The sound-proofed 298-room hotel stands out for its impressive scale and innovative execution. The ten-story structure sits atop a multi-level parking garage with an entrance connected to the terminal by a covered pedestrian bridge. The meeting and event areas, totaling 23,000 square feet, pay homage to aviation pioneers with custom artwork and hand-painted murals. The hotel also includes a nearly 8,000-square-foot ballroom, a full-service restaurant, and two bars, including the rooftop Sky Bar that can accommodate groups of up to 400.
The project’s importance extends beyond its size. It adds to the existing hotel options at BNA and serves as a valuable asset for the Nashville community. In addition to its role as a premier destination for travelers, the hotel enhances the airport’s offerings, providing an ideal place to stay for visitors with early morning or late-night flights. Crain’s collaboration with Chartwell Hospitality, additional contractors, and the Nashville Airport Authority made this landmark project possible, bringing a vision for world-class hospitality to life.
Navigating the Challenges of an Active Airport Environment
One of the most unique aspects of this project was its proximity to Nashville’s bustling airport. Building such a large structure at an operational airport introduced a range of logistical challenges, including working within airspace regulations and coordinating construction activities around peak travel periods. Crain’s project team worked closely with the Nashville Airport Authority to ensure that all construction activities were carefully scheduled to minimize disruptions to airport operations.
The project also required stringent FAA approvals due to the height of the hotel and the need for a tower crane during construction. Crain conducted an FAA 7460 survey and installed obstruction lighting to comply with federal airspace regulations, ensuring the safety of both the construction crew and airport operations.
Innovative Solutions to Overcome Complex Challenges
Crain Construction faced several additional challenges during the project, including weather delays and logistical hurdles involving the parking garage. By implementing creative solutions, such as using pre-glazed precast panels to accelerate installation, our team kept the project on track. For more detailed insights into how we navigated these challenges, read our Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Hotel case study.
Delivering Success Through Collaboration
The successful completion of the Hilton BNA hotel was a result of strong collaboration and communication between Crain Construction and multiple key stakeholders. The project stands as a proud example of our team’s ability to deliver complex, high-profile projects that elevate the communities we serve. If you’re looking for a trusted partner to bring your next commercial development to life, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us to learn how we can collaborate on your next project.
