Commercial and residential construction projects totaling more than $100 million are currently underway in Bristol, Tennessee or slated to begin soon, representing a $42 million increase in building activity since early summer.
The data was derived from building permits already issued and those now being processed by the City, said Code Administrator Karl Cooler. The long list of projects ranges from minor roof repairs and replacement windows valued at $1,000 to the new $31.6 million Vance Middle School project. Projects are removed from the list when they are completed, he said, and new ones are added when permit applications are filed.
The most recent report was generated on Nov. 6 and includes 346 projects totaling $104.3 million. A similar report from June 8 listed $61.5 million in projects. Construction totals fluctuated only slightly through July and August, before jumping to $76 million in October and then climbing another $28 million in November.
“I think this is a very good indicator that contractors recognize Bristol is a good place to do business,” Cooler said. “We’ve worked really hard to streamline the permit process and provide excellent customer service to builders. If they tell us where they want to be and when, we’ll help them get there.”
Economic Development Director Tom Anderson said the overall health of the economy is a factor in the recent upswing in building projects, but said concerted efforts by the City and its economic development partners have also played a major role. The City works closely with The Industrial Development Board of the City of Bristol, Tennessee, The State of Tennessee, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, and Bristol Housing and Redevelopment Authority to market the region and provide construction-ready sites, he said.
“It’s all about speed to market,” he said. “Developers want to be able to go from building to making money very quickly. They don’t want to wait while we run a water line or extend sewer service. It didn’t happen overnight, but we have the infrastructure in place now that makes Bristol a very attractive place to do business.”
In addition to Vance Middle School, the following construction projects are included in the November report:
- Tenneva Hotel at 937 Shelby Street - $18 million.
- Friendship Ford Dealership on West State Street - $7.2 million.
- Friendship Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Dealership on West State Street - $7.9 million.
- A multi-family residential development on Stafford Street – $8.2 million.
- Best Buy retail building at The Pinnacle - $2.7 million.
- Weigel’s Convenient Store on Highway 11W – $2.3 million.
- Medical office building on Steeles Road - $2.7 million.
The report also includes permits for hundreds of single-family home projects, including repairs, remodels, additions, and new construction. Cooler said the reports are generated periodically to keep City staff members apprised of ongoing projects that may require their attention.
For additional information, please contact Cooler at (423) 989-5500, ext. 2099, or [email protected].
