By Kerri Bartlett, Managing Editor
BRENTWOOD, TN. May 17, 2018 – Hill Center Brentwood ceremonially broke ground Thursday for Phase II of “vibrant” office and retail space, according to Mayor Jill Burgin, to be constructed in the heart of Brentwood. A groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony drew Gov. Bill Haslam as the keynote speaker and other locally-elected officials and supporters in the business community. Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe also took a front seat at the ceremony, while chairman and CEO Jimmy Granbery of family-owned H.G. Hill Company, developer, addressed the crowd regarding the details of the project. Grandbery took a moment to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the project, which has changed the shape of the business district in Brentwood located at the corner of Maryland Farms and Franklin Road. The new construction has introduced such businesses as LBMC and Suntrust and retail and restaurant hot spots such as Francesca boutique Jeni’s Ice Cream, Nama Sushi and Del Fresco’s restaurant. Phase II will bring a 141-key Marriott Hotel, office space with tenant SVMIC, and retail buildings as well as a two-level, 315-space parking garage and a pedestrian walkway connecting the hotel and office building to Maryland Farms Park. Haslam highlighted the impact Hill Center makes in Brentwood as well as Tennessee. “It’s all about creating great, creative spaces,” Haslam said. “Also, I give a salute to this sixthgeneration family company. “This is just one more thing that makes Tennessee the greatest place to live in the whole world.” “It’s vibrant,” Burgin said. “People are always coming and going. I’ve seen all ages. People come out early Saturday morning to shop, and a line forms down the sidewalk at Jeni’s every Friday night.” Burgin, who also spoke during opening remarks at the ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, said she is bestowed with a unique perspective as a part-time employee at Sur La Table, where she exercises her culinary flair. “I can see everything that this development has brought to Brentwood.” Several years ago, during its nascent beginnings, the development was proposed as mixed-use development with a residential component, which Burgin reminisced, “didn’t go over too well.” “But you were patient and came back with a revised plan,” Burgin said to Granbery. Once Granbery proposed the new plan, now coming to fruition in the multi- phase project, all was smooth sailing. Granbery’s mother Anne Parsons, a life-long resident of Nashville, attended the ceremony. Parsons said she is glad her family can add character to the business landscape of Brentwood. “I remember when I told my husband I hoped I never ended up living in Brentwood because it was so far out. Now, it’s fabulous. I love it.” More on Phase II Phase II plans include a 92,950 square foot, 141-room AC Hotel by Marriott. Huntsville, Ala.- based Doradus Partners will partner with H.G. Hill Realty Company on the hotel’s development and Yedla Management Company, also headquartered in Huntsville, will manage the property. Plans also include a partnership with SVMIC to build an 84,375 square foot office building that will be approximately 50 percent preleased by the company. SVMIC will be relocating from its nearby Maryland Farms location once the building is completed in early 2020. Additional plans are for two retail buildings containing 9,600 and 10,000 square feet, a two-level, 315 space parking garage and a pedestrian walkway connecting the hotel and office building to Maryland Farms Park. Granbery donates $10,000 to governor’s book program Granbery presented a $10,000 check to the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation, which was accepted by Theresa Carl, president of Books From Birth. H.G. Hill also celebrated and promoted children’s literacy with the book launch of “Outside All Around,” produced by the company. “Outside All Around” is a seek and find book encouraging children to learn about native Tennessee wildlife while searching the plaza for hidden animals, which is a nod to the family-owned company’s appreciation of nature and the outdoors. The book ties in the bronze statues located in the plaza. Created by Stuart, Florida-based Sculptor Geoffrey Smith, the statues include a boy reading a book sitting next to the fountain and two herons within the fountain. Wentworth Caldwell Jr., chairman, H.G. Hill Company, shared the dedication of the book to attendees and also revealed the dedication of the herons statue to another beloved family member, Anne Parsons. A commemorative plaque is installed in her honor. Copies of the hard cover book will be provided to the Brentwood Library and a printable version of the coloring book may be found online at hillcenterbrentwood.com. Restaurant tenants will offer copies. “We have a lot to celebrate,” said Jimmy Granbery, chairman and CEO, H.G. Hill Realty Company. “The center has been very well received by both the business community and Brentwood residents. Phase II continues our vision of a walkable, connected mixed-use development with a variety of Class A office space alongside retail and restaurants. The addition of the AC Hotel by Marriott adds to the amenities and meets current and future tenant needs for overnight accommodations, and we are proud to add SVMIC, another excellent local business, to the center.” The project recently received the People’s Choice award and the Excellence in Development award in the private sector-large project category at the Urban Land Institute Nashville District Council’s (ULI Nashville) 10th annual development awards.