Johnson & Galyon begins UT basketball facility construction

Johnson & Galyon Inc. of Knoxville, Tenn., recently began construction of the University of Tennessee’s Pratt Basketball Practice Facility.

The $16 million project is to be completed by October and will be used by both the men’s and women’s basketball programs at the University of Tennessee.

The facility will house a weight room, training room, video room, locker facilities, and two full-size basketball courts.

New Nissan facility to be called Nissan Americas

Nissan Americas will be the name of Nissan’s new corporate facility in Franklin, Tenn., the company announced recently.

The Management Committee-Americas oversees and leads functions and programs throughout North, Central and South America to maximize performance and profit.

Construction of the Nissan Americas facility, which represents a capital investment in excess of $100 million, began in June 2006. Occupancy is planned for mid-2008. The building is located about 20 mi south of downtown Nashville.

“The construction project is on schedule, and the footprint of the building is now visible,” said Rob Traynham, Nissan North America director of Security, Flight Operations and Facilities. “Nissan Americas will be a striking addition to the business landscape in Franklin, but more importantly it will be at the center of value creation for all our operations.”

Nissan Americas will comprise 10 office floors and an underground level with two salons for special reviews of new models or prototype vehicles. The building will reach a height of approximately 150 ft and will encompass a total floor space of 460,000 sq ft. 

An adjacent parking garage will accommodate 1,135 vehicles and a 10,000-sq-ft employee fitness center is being constructed on the western side of the parking garage structure.

Skanska USA Building Inc. is the construction manager of the Nissan Americas project.  Gresham, Smith and Partners is responsible for the design and engineering.

TRBA names Bell & Associates as prime contractor of the year

Bell and Associates Construction of Brentwood, Tenn., has received top honors from the Tennessee Road Builders Association, named the TRBA Prime Contractor of the Year.

The award is voted on by subcontractors, suppliers and associate members.