Opry Mills
Nashville, Tennessee
Grand opening 2000

1.1 million-square foot specialty regional enclosed mall directly adjacent to Gaylord Opryland (a 3,000-room hotel and convention center), The Grand Ole Opry and the Acuff Theater.

The unique challenge of this project was coordinating all development activities to minimize disruption to the hotel and convention center, Grand Ole Opry/Country Music Awards and the General Jackson Riverboat.

  1. In partnership with the City of Nashville and the Rockefeller Foundation, Steve directed the team that created the Opry Mills "JOBS" program. The initial program placed more than 50 unemployed community residents into jobs with Opry Mills. The Department of Tennessee Career Centers continues to showcase this program as a model for future developments.
  2. Project anchors: Bass Pro Shops, Gibson Showcase Guitar (company's first retail location) Regal Cinema & IMAX theater, Banana Republic, GAP and Nike Factory Outlet.