Owner: Chartwell Hospitality
Architect: Rabun Architects
Concrete: Charter Construction
Engineers: EMC Structural Engineers, P.C.
The Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Hotel project represents a landmark achievement in commercial construction, combining innovative design, rigorous quality control, and seamless coordination in a complex operational environment. Connected to Nashville International Airport (BNA), the 298-room, ten-story hotel is built atop a parking garage, effectively making it the tallest structure within a two-mile radius of the airport. Crain’s strategic planning and execution of this project created an asset for the local economy and a destination for millions of travelers.
Building the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Hotel in an active airport environment posed significant logistical challenges. The project’s entry point was flanked by an operating parking garage, another garage under construction, and the main airport terminal. Additionally, construction activities had to align with airport operations, which remained fully functional throughout the project.
Due to the hotel’s proximity to the airport, Crain Construction had to comply with stringent FAA regulations, including obtaining permits for the tower crane and ensuring airspace safety. The team also conducted an FAA 7460 survey to confirm the height of the building and installed FAA obstruction lights to maintain compliance with aviation safety regulations.
Crain’s team overcame 47 lost days due to rain and ice to complete the project ahead of schedule on December 22, 2023.
Crain Construction overcame the site constraints by implementing a sophisticated scheduling strategy that required coordination with multiple stakeholders, including the Nashville Airport Authority, project subcontractors, and two other general contractors working on adjacent projects. Weekly coordination meetings and intermediate sessions ensured smooth progress without disruption to any team. To minimize disruption to airport operations, Crain’s team coordinated construction schedules with the airport authority during peak travel periods and conducted nighttime work.
Quality was at the forefront of the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport project from start to finish. One of the most innovative quality control measures implemented was the use of pre-glazed precast panels. Unlike traditional methods where glazing occurs on-site after the precast panels are installed, Crain Construction opted for pre-glazed panels that were manufactured off-site and then installed with the glass already in place. This approach not only ensured higher precision in the installation process but also significantly reduced the risk of damage to the glass during construction. The pre-glazed panels also incorporated titanium dioxide, a self-cleaning chemical that enhances the longevity and appearance of the exterior and reduces the effects of air pollution.
Another critical quality control measure was the installation of higher-rated acoustical windows in all guest rooms. The manufacturer of these triple-pane windows had to supply product data and engineering information to prove the windows would keep noise from penetrating the building. The effectiveness of these windows has been a significant selling point for the hotel, with many guests praising the quietness of the rooms despite the proximity to airport runways.
The feedback from both Chartwell Hospitality and Hilton Worldwide was overwhelmingly positive. Hilton recognized the project as one of the finest full-service hotels in their portfolio, noting the exceptional quality of design and construction. The successful completion of this project further solidified Crain Construction’s reputation for delivering complex, high-stakes projects to the highest standard.
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