As a nearly century-old construction company, Crain Construction has proudly helped shape Nashville’s skyline into the iconic city we know today. And we’re not the only ones who love it—millions of visitors flock to Music City each year to experience its music scene, vibrant food culture, and high-profile events. At the end of 2024, Nashville was ranked as one of the top five cities for hotel construction globally, according to HotelDive.com.
With more than 17.5 million visitors expected in 2025, Nashville’s hospitality market shows no signs of slowing. Developers are seeking innovative ways to meet evolving guest expectations while navigating the challenges of urban construction. Crain Construction has been at the forefront of this transformation, building spaces that enhance the visitor experience while delivering long-term value to our clients.
In this blog, we’re highlighting the hospitality construction trends shaping Nashville’s future and exploring what’s next for the industry.
Adaptive Reuse Projects Are Redefining Hospitality Construction
As land availability decreases and construction costs increase, developers are turning to adaptive reuse to transform underutilized or historic buildings into modern hospitality spaces. Crain leverages this trend to transform older buildings into thriving hospitality venues, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Some great project examples of how Crain has leveraged this trend are Acme Feed & Seed, the Fairlane Hotel, and our most recent project, Marriott Tri-Brand, where we transformed a third-floor parking garage into 36 high-end guest suites. We even converted a former warehouse we built in the 1950s into our new headquarters.
These builds require extensive coordination, a deep knowledge of local permitting, and an experienced contractor who understands how to modernize a structure while maintaining its character.
Customization and Experience-Driven Hotel Design
Travelers today are looking for more than just a place to sleep. They want an experience, and that begins with design. Hotel spaces must now reflect their environment, tell a story, and offer thoughtful amenities that reflect modern guest priorities, from fitness and wellness centers to coworking spaces, restaurants, and bars. Crain’s work on the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Hotel reflects this shift, incorporating design features like a rooftop bar, full-service restaurant, custom artwork, and hand-painted murals that enhance the guest experience and align with a vision for world-class hospitality.
Sustainable Hotel Construction Is Here to Stay
Guests and investors alike are looking for environmentally responsible builds. Eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and low-VOC paints are not only better for the environment but also contribute to the aesthetic atmosphere of a space, enhancing guest satisfaction. At Crain, we incorporate these materials into our projects, balancing eco-friendly materials with long-term operational cost savings.
Mixed-Use Hotel Developments
Mixed-use projects can maximize land use while fostering a sense of community by integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces that cater to daily needs and lifestyles. Aertson Midtown was built on two acres on a busy corridor next to Vanderbilt University. This urban development included a boutique hotel, apartments, street-level retail, and private and public parking. By drawing on principles of accessibility and sustainability, these bustling hubs prioritize pedestrian-friendly spaces and green living to boost local economies.
Smart Technology Integration
The concept of smart hotels continues to gain traction. These hotels are designed to integrate seamlessly with technology to enhance guest experiences. Features include automated systems for energy management, smart windows that adapt to changes in light and temperature, and the use of robotics in maintenance and service. During the construction phase, planning for these technologies requires careful coordination with multiple contractors and technology providers.
Let’s Build the Future of Hospitality Together
Hospitality development is more competitive and complex than ever, but with the right partner, it can also be deeply rewarding. Crain Construction brings nearly 100 years of expertise, local knowledge, and client-first values to every project we take on.
Whether you’re planning a ground-up build, a hotel renovation, or an adaptive reuse project, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Connect with our team to get started.
