Nashville’s vibrant community, booming economy, and thriving tourism industry make it a goldmine for innovative retail development. Mixed-use projects are popping up across the city, attracting national brands and homegrown businesses alike. While the opportunities are vast, navigating the complexities of constructing a retail space in this dynamic market requires careful planning and a strategic approach.
As a Nashville-based commercial contractor with more than 4,000 projects under our belt, we’ve learned how to navigate the city’s unique complexities and help developers bring their visions to life. We’ve seen the challenges and opportunities presented by our city’s booming construction scene, and we’ve honed our expertise while guiding developers through successful retail projects.
As a property owner or developer, here are five essential best practices to consider for your next retail construction endeavor:
Master the Maze: Urban Planning and Zoning Compliance
Nashville’s intricate zoning regulations and land use policies can turn a developer’s dream into a bureaucratic nightmare. Public infrastructure and utilities can also add layers of complexity. After more than 90 years in the industry, we’ve learned how to collaborate closely with city planners and zoning officials. We’re experts at navigating these complexities to ensure your project adheres to all requirements while maximizing its potential. We’ve tackled intricate projects like The Aerston mixed-use development, demonstrating our expertise in coordinating with city authorities and managing unexpected challenges.
Understand Your Audience: Navigating Diverse Stakeholders
Every retail project requires thinking through multiple stakeholders—from planning commissions and city departments to anchor tenants and commercial real estate brokers. Our team’s understanding of the local landscape allows us to streamline the process, avoiding costly delays. We’re also adept at catering to diverse tenant needs for national brands and local startups. For example, we developed the Hill Center Belle Meade to bring retail, restaurant, and office space to the heart of an affluent community. At each stage, it required intentional planning and ongoing communication with numerous stakeholders.
Design for Flow: Optimizing Traffic and Pedestrian Experience
High traffic volumes are a reality in and around Nashville, and your retail development needs to account for vehicular and pedestrian flow. Designing retail spaces with efficient traffic patterns, ample parking facilities, and pedestrian-friendly amenities is one of the keys to effective urban development. For example, transforming CityPark in Brentwood from an automobile-dominated office park into a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use development required significant planning to optimize traffic flow along the busy Franklin Road corridor.
Localize Design and Branding
Beyond adhering to zoning requirements, your retail space should also resonate with the spirit of its surroundings. Consider incorporating locally sourced materials that echo the neighborhood’s character. While working with longtime partner Chartwell Hospitality, we built the mixed-use 1st and Main structure to serve as a gateway into downtown Franklin. During the design and sourcing process, the building was intentionally crafted to reflect the architecture of the historic neighborhood while upgrading the space with luxury finishes and modern-day amenities.
Build Community, Build Success: Engagement and Placemaking
Building a retail space isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building relationships. Understanding and engaging with the surrounding community is crucial for long-term success. Our work on the historic Belle Meade Town Center was a great example of this philosophy in action. By involving the community and respecting the building’s charm while adapting it for modern retail use, we preserved its heritage and created a stunning, functional, upgraded space.
Build Your Next Retail Project with Crain
Nashville’s retail scene is filled with energy and potential. Completing a successful project here requires a team that can understand the challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
At Crain Construction, we believe in collaboration and partnering with developers on projects that continue to transform Nashville and the surrounding area for the better. Explore our portfolio or contact us today to discuss how we can help turn your retail vision into a reality that thrives for generations.
