Some construction projects are about building something new. Others are about building on decades of trust. The recent expansion at Hill Center Belle Meade represents both.
Crain Construction completed two new retail shell buildings totaling more than 7,200 square feet for H.G. Hill Realty, continuing a relationship between two companies whose histories in Nashville stretch back generations. Crain originally constructed Hill Center Belle Meade in 2009 and also built Belle Meade Town Center directly across the street. Few contractors know this area or this client as well.
For Senior Project Manager James Williams, that history made the project especially meaningful.
“Crain and H.G. Hill have done numerous projects throughout the years,” James said. “Crain is 93 years old, and Hill is more than 120 years old. Both companies have deep roots in Nashville. They trust us because they’ve known us for a long time.”
Completing the buildings successfully required careful planning, constant communication, and a commitment to protecting the experience of everyone who visited the shopping center each day.
Building While Business Never Stopped
Unlike many retail developments, this project took place in the middle of an active shopping center with constant vehicle traffic, operating businesses, and customers coming and going throughout the day. That meant construction couldn’t simply take over the site.
From the beginning, Crain partnered closely with H.G. Hill Realty’s construction manager to develop a phased approach that minimized disruption while keeping work progressing safely.
Parking areas were carefully staged to maintain traffic flow. Trade partners followed designated access routes established by the owner. Certain utility work occurred after business hours so tenants could continue operating without interruption.
“The owner had a strong desire not to inconvenience either their tenants or shoppers,” James explained. “We worked together to stage the work so traffic continued moving throughout construction.”
That type of collaboration reflects Crain’s philosophy on every project. Construction isn’t just about completing a building. It’s about understanding what matters most to the owner and making those priorities part of the construction plan.
Responding When the Unexpected Happens
Every project encounters challenges.
For Hill Center Belle Meade, one of the biggest came in January 2026 when a severe ice storm brought much of the Nashville area to a standstill. The project site closed for an entire week.
While weather delays are unavoidable, the team’s response made the difference. Crews mobilized equipment to clear ice throughout the site as quickly as conditions allowed, helping restore access sooner and reducing the overall impact on the schedule.
The project also required careful coordination for utility work outside the primary construction area. Portions of the work occurred overnight after businesses had closed to avoid disrupting shopping center operations. Temporary water shutdowns required detailed planning with the on-site property manager, including fire watch procedures and close coordination with local authorities.
Rather than allowing logistics to dictate the project, the team adapted the plan to fit the owner’s operational needs.
Relationships That Continue to Grow
When asked what stood out most after completing the project, James pointed to something that won’t appear in photographs: the relationships.
“We developed a great rapport with the owner’s project manager and the design team,” James said. “Some of those relationships already existed and became even stronger. Others were new relationships that I believe will continue for years to come.”
That mindset has guided Crain for over nine decades. Projects end. Relationships don’t. Cultivating long-term partnerships allows Crain to understand each client’s priorities before construction begins. They create trust that helps teams solve problems quickly, communicate openly, and make better decisions throughout the life of a project.
Building Nashville Together
Hill Center Belle Meade represents what happens when local organizations with deep roots in Nashville continue investing in the community they call home.
For Crain, there’s a special sense of pride in returning to a development the company helped build years ago and contributing to its next chapter. It’s another reminder that the best projects aren’t measured only by square footage. They’re measured by the relationships they strengthen and the communities they continue to serve.
As Nashville continues to evolve, Crain remains committed to helping long-term partners like H.G. Hill Realty build spaces that support the city’s future while honoring the trust that’s been built over generations.
