Crescent Takes Unique Approach in Cool Submarket

ATLANTA—How do you does development in suburbs differ from metros? That's one question we asked Brian Leary, president of the commercial and mixed-use division at Crescent Communities.

Crescent Communities is about to break ground on a project called Two Greenway Centre. The development is located in the Cool Springs commercial district.

GlobeSt.com caught up with Cleary to discuss how he's approaching the project in a suburban setting. You can still read part one of this exclusive interview: Why This  One Submarket Stands Out.

GlobeSt.com: How do you approach developing in suburbs like Franklin differently than developing in in-town Nashville?

Leary: Franklin provides the ideal blend between a rich historical past and a bright, burgeoning future, a balance between the best of Mother Nature and a high quality built environment, and how we develop there needs to celebrate these dynamic dichotomies. As far as the building itself, our goal, regardless of where it is located, is to build the most efficient, most productive and most employee-focused four walls and a roof. Today's worker expects—and deserves—an amenity-rich workplace environment and our commitment to LEED standards, wellness initiatives and thoughtful design delivers on this commitment.

GlobeSt.com: You're breaking ground soon on your 11th office and commercial project in the area, a class A office development called Two Greenway Centre. What will set the building apart from other office developments in the area?

Leary: This new building will exemplify all that makes Cool Springs one of the most sought after corporate addresses in the country. It will be a modern, LEED certified, floor-to-ceiling glass workplace with abundant and convenient surface parking, but set in the woods and rolling hills of greater Nashville and connected by walking trails to immediately adjacent housing and amenities. We are in the process of interviewing local artists to add an extra connection to this great region for the building.

GlobeSt.com: What type of tenants are you hoping to bring to the building and the market? 

Leary: Cool Springs has proven to be an attractive home to Fortune 500 and start-up firms alike, and we've already received great interest from potential corporate relocations outside the market to those looking to grow with no place to do so within. With construction commencing this fall, we have the opportunity to fine tune and tailor the building for a particular tenant's need but know the efficient and flexible floorplate will provide tremendous flexibility.