The Nashville Youth Center for Empowerment represents a transformative step toward reimagining Nashville’s juvenile justice system through a more rehabilitation-focused approach. Spanning more than 420,000 SF across a 14-acre campus, the development is designed to create a more supportive, modern environment for youth and families. Once complete, the campus will include dedicated facilities for youth pretrial housing, a respite and assessment center, and a family services center, along with a new five-story courts building replacing the existing juvenile courts facility. The project also includes new central utility plants, upgraded site infrastructure, and a structured parking garage accommodating approximately 400 vehicles.

PPE Required: Bring your own and Bell Construction will fill in any missing items. 

SPEAKERS:

José M. Jordan, RID, IIDA | Principal, DLR Group

Kathryn Hodges, PE | Project Civil Engineer, Barge Civil Associates

Kathryn joined BCA in 2022 after graduating from the University of Alabama. In addition to her work on the NYCE, she has experience on hospitality, multi-family housing, and multiple projects for Vanderbilt University.

Tara Runion, PMP | Senior Project Manager, Bell Construction

Tara Runion is the Senior Project Manager for the NYCE project. She has been with BELL Construction for more than three years within the Justice Building Division. Originally from California, Tara brings over 15 years of experience managing a wide range of complex projects including tenant improvements, new construction, move management, and program management.

While she helped lead the project, NYCE is supported by a strong and experienced BELL team. The office management staff includes two additional Project Managers, three Assistant Project Managers, and two Project Engineers. In the field, the project is supported by one Senior Superintendent, one Superintendent, three Assistant Superintendents, along with specialized staff dedicated to safety and MEP project management.