Longstanding relationships are one of the foundations of successful construction projects. For decades, McInerney & Associates has been one of Crain Construction’s most trusted subcontractors, delivering precision glazing work on some of our most high-profile projects. When they decided to anchor their future expansion on a five-acre site in Middle Tennessee, we were honored that they chose us to return the favor.
The McInerney warehouse is a premier example of modern flex-space construction. The 20,000-square-foot facility seamlessly blends a 5,100-square-foot corporate office with 14,900 square feet of heavy-duty warehouse and manufacturing space, topped off with a 2,500-square-foot storage mezzanine. Because the client is a premier glazing contractor, this project was also a unique opportunity to build a literal showroom for their structural capabilities.
One of the team members who helped lead the project was Senior Project Manager James Williams. James has worked with McInerney on numerous projects over the years, which made this job a little more special.
“It’s a great honor and a testament to our relationship with each other,” James shared. “They could have chosen any GC they work with, but they trusted us as a partner to help them with such a critical piece of their operations.”
Showcasing Premium Glazing
While industrial flex spaces are often characterized by solid walls and minimal windows, McInerney’s facility flips the script. The design incorporates an exceptional amount of both interior and exterior glazing to maximize natural light, putting their craftsmanship on full display.
Marrying a high-end corporate office environment with a functioning manufacturing slab required detailed, proactive coordination. Our field crews worked hand in hand with McInerney’s technical teams to ensure perfect alignment among the structural steel, concrete panels, and extensive window systems. We focused heavily on the nuances of proper opening sizes, custom flashing, and weatherproofing trims. This collaborative effort resulted in a flawless, high-performance building envelope that will protect their investment for decades.
The extensive glasswork stands as a beautiful testament to what our two teams can achieve together in the field.
“I think the glazing both on the outside and the inside represents the best aspect of how we worked together in the field,” James shared. “The part most people would never see is how well the ownership and management teams worked together throughout the project.”
Overcoming High-Stakes Utility Roadblocks
Like many industrial and flex-space projects, some of the most complicated work happened outside the building itself. On this build, the biggest tests came from municipal utility coordination under tight deadline pressures. McInerney had a fixed exit date at their old facility, making our completion deadline absolute.
One major hurdle involved a required backflow preventer for the water service. The utility provider required a specific manufacturer, and international shipping delays during production impacted delivery timelines.
Rather than allowing the delay to derail the owner’s move-in schedule, the team worked closely with local authorities to develop a temporary solution that kept the project on track.
“We had a great working relationship with the local authorities, and they worked with us to come up with a temporary solution that allowed us to meet the owner’s deadline,” James explained.
The solution included installing a temporary water storage tank and support pump for the fire sprinkler system, along with temporary restroom facilities for employees until the permanent equipment arrived.
Built on Mutual Trust and Collaboration
Having an educated, technically savvy owner who understands the intricacies of commercial construction made a world of difference. McInerney understands that success isn’t achieved by picking the lowest bidder on a spreadsheet; it is achieved by assembling a team of trade partners who fit together culturally and operationally.
For Crain, this project adds to our growing portfolio of high-efficiency industrial flex spaces. More importantly, it reinforces a core belief that has guided us since 1933: great buildings are built on great relationships. We are proud to have delivered a facility that supports McInerney’s operational growth, and we look forward to working alongside them on the next job site.
Are you looking to build a flexible corporate and industrial space in Middle Tennessee? Contact Crain Construction today to partner with a team that knows how to navigate site challenges and build for long-term value.
