Hospitality construction in Nashville has never been simple. In the 1980s and 1990s, the challenges were largely about establishing Nashville as a destination, working within a smaller urban footprint, and navigating the early stages of the city’s growing infrastructure.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. The urban boom of the last decade has sent property values skyrocketing, making the margin for error razor-thin. Land costs are high, timelines are compressed by aggressive financing requirements, and expectations for amenities and guest experiences have never been more demanding. In 2026, many projects sit in highly visible, high-traffic corridors where logistical planning and adaptability are essential.
At Crain Construction, we believe every project should make the next one better. We try to continually evaluate projects and apply the lessons we’ve learned to help our clients protect their investments in this high-pressure market.
Learning from a Landmark Project: the BNA Hilton Hotel
The BNA Hilton Hotel was a project that defined “high stakes” for our team. Built directly on-site at the Nashville International Airport, it was a critical piece of the airport’s multi-billion-dollar expansion.
The project required seamless coordination across multiple federal and local agencies, strict milestone deadlines that could not be moved, and constant communication with stakeholders who were operating a fully functional international airport just feet away. It was a complex job with the eyes of the city—and the traveling public—watching every move.
What It Takes: Lessons from Our Work on the BNA Hilton Hotel
Looking back, here are a few essential lessons our team learned when it comes to delivering such a high-stakes hospitality project:
1. The Right Team Solves Problems Faster
In hospitality construction, intentionally built systems make all the difference. Successful projects are built on teams that prioritize total alignment over individual checklists.
This project reinforced that collaboration is essential. Our team had to coordinate not only with the ownership group and trade partners but also with other contractors working on concurrent airport expansions. When everyone takes ownership of the collective goal, you move from a reactive “extinguishing fires” mode to a proactive problem-solving rhythm.
2. Expect the Unpredictable and Plan for It
Weather and seasonal challenges are the two great variables in Nashville construction. The difference between a delayed opening and an on-time delivery is a team that quickly adapts to changing circumstances.
One of the biggest tests at BNA came from the sky. Over the course of construction, we lost 55 days to weather delays. On most projects, losing nearly two months would push the completion date back significantly. Here, that wasn’t an option. The substantial completion date was immovable.
Despite those lost days, we delivered the project on the original contract schedule. This required creative re-sequencing of interior finishes and greater efficiency in the field. We focused on solutions rather than setbacks to deliver the project on time.
3. Early Collaboration Makes Execution Possible
Proximity to an active runway brings a layer of complexity that goes far beyond standard building codes. To deliver the BNA Hilton, Crain had to navigate stringent FAA regulations that most commercial builders rarely encounter.
We implemented a sophisticated scheduling strategy to coordinate with the Nashville Airport Authority and the FAA. This included submitting permits for two tower cranes, conducting precise surveys with the FAA to confirm the building’s exact height, installing FAA-mandated obstruction lights, and maintaining rigorous airspace safety protocols throughout the build.
Our proactive approach to problem-solving in the preconstruction phase made a tremendous difference in avoiding significant delays.
4. Milestones Matter More Than You Think
In hospitality, critical deadlines are often tied to broader business goals, grand openings, and seasonal travel surges. Treating these milestones with high-level focus protects the developer’s entire investment.
With BNA Hilton, there were critical milestones tied directly to the airport authority’s vision, such as completing the exterior facade and the integrated plaza area by a set date. For the developer, hitting these marks reinforced confidence that they had the right partner to deliver a project that met both their financial expectations and the airport’s long-term brand standards. Our team delivered that specific milestone with a full week to spare.
Building What Comes Next
Projects like the BNA Hilton are a reminder of what it takes to deliver in Nashville’s high-pressure environment. They reinforce the responsibility we carry as a construction partner. Our role is not just to build a structure; it is to help our clients meet their goals and deliver a landmark that stands the test of time.
If you are planning a hospitality project in Nashville or Middle Tennessee, our team would welcome the opportunity to come alongside you early. Let’s share what we’ve learned and set your next project up for success.
Check out our hospitality portfolio or reach out to our team to schedule a quick introductory conversation.
