Why a Healthy Work Environment Matters in Commercial Construction

construction worker with hardhat showing project under construction to man in suit

The commercial construction industry is known for its high-stress and high-risk nature. Tight deadlines, complex projects, and evolving industry challenges can put immense pressure on everyone involved with a project. In our industry, creating a healthy work environment is not just an option; it is a necessity for safety and success. As a family-owned business, […]

4 Keys to Community Engagement in Urban Construction Projects

Exterior shot of a Seven Eleven gas station, built by Crain Construction.

Commercial projects are often long-term investments. A project that is well-received and integrated into the community is more likely to thrive and attract customers, tenants, and sustainable business opportunities over time. That’s why it’s important for commercial developers and contractors to recognize the importance of “being a good neighbor” and to proactively engage residents, businesses, […]

8 Best Practices in Hospitality Construction

crain crane above hotel under construction

Constructing a hotel or any other type of hospitality facility is a unique and complex undertaking. From navigating strict regulations and standards to balancing design and functionality, the challenges of hospitality construction have increased significantly over the past decade. Furthermore, the fast-paced nature of the industry means that deadlines are tight and budgets are constrained. […]

Why Partnering with a Local Construction Company in Nashville Matters

Nashville construction site roped off with orange cones and caution tape.

As a Nashville-based construction company, we’ve had the privilege of completing thousands of commercial construction projects over the years. Whether it’s renovating Acme Feed & Seed, transforming the Mall at Green Hills, constructing a high-rise in Midtown, or building the newest Ferrari dealership, it brings us a sense of pride to drive around and see […]

Client Spotlight: Southeast Venture, LLC

An exterior photo of the Southeast Venture headquarters building.

Southeast Venture, LLC’s history echoes and mirrors Crain’s history in several ways. These similarities are also what make them excellent partners. Both companies are Nashville institutions. Southeast Venture started in 1981, while Crain established operations in 1933.  When Southeast Venture launched, Crain Construction’s Charles Gill worked with J.E. Crain to fund, plan, and build several […]

9 of Our Most Memorable Projects from the Past 90 Years

An aerial view of the Aertson and surrounding buildings on the west side of downtown Nashville.

2023 marks our 90th year as a construction company in Nashville. To honor the occasion, and the hundreds of men and women who played a role in helping our company achieve such a milestone, we wanted to highlight a few of our most memorable projects.  As we look back —and recall the thousands of projects […]

5 Keys to Early Cost Estimating in Commercial Pre-Construction

man looking at construction plans on a wood table

Staying within budget is one of the most important factors in any commercial construction project. There are many decisions to be made throughout the construction process, and an accurate estimate is essential to ensure that the overarching plan for your project is sound. The pre-construction phase helps build a solid foundation for commercial construction, especially […]

How to Navigate Seasonal Challenges in Commercial Construction

The BNA Hilton rooftop while it was still under construction

Navigating seasonal challenges in commercial construction is an essential aspect of hitting key milestones and maximizing the success of a project. While living in the southeast offers the incredible benefit of enjoying all four seasons, it also means that general contractors need to understand how various weather conditions can impact a job site. From managing […]

Our Effective Framework for Commercial Construction Communication

workers and machinery on commercial construction site

Every commercial construction project consists of many different elements. These include different roles, tasks, meetings, details, and decisions throughout the course of the project. Clear and effective communication is key to ensuring all of these factors work together smoothly. On the flip side, poor communication is one of the prevailing issues that can derail a […]