SDG News

SDG AT 2019 NASCC STEEL CONFERENCE

SDG sent four engineers to attend NASCC: The Steel Conference in St. Louis this April.  This AISC conference is the premier educational and networking event for the structural steel industry, bringing together structural engineers, structural steel fabricators, erectors, detailers, and architects. The Steel Conference offered practical seminars on the latest design concepts, construction techniques and cutting-edge research with topics including seismic design, design for constructability, and the future of the steel industry. Attending were Jacob......

08 April, 2019
SDG AT THE JE DUNN HAMMER DOWN RACE FOR OUR KIDS CENTER

Jennifer and Josie Acton, Jacob Montgomery, Walker Trent, and Adam Oestman representing SDG at the @JEDunn Hammer Down Race benefiting Our Kids Center (@OurKidsTN ). Our Kids is a Nashville nonprofit that provides expert medical evaluations and crisis counseling in response to concerns of child sexual abuse. Our Kids is dedicated to increasing community awareness of child sexual abuse, conducting research and offering education and training about the issue. Our Kids: Has evaluated more than......

08 April, 2019
HEALTHCARE DESIGN ARTICLE BY JEREMY SALMON

Jeremy Salmon’s article “A STEP AHEAD – Well-coordinated structural drawings are critical to project success today and in the future” published in the April 2019 issue of Healthcare Design magazine. Healthcare Design “A Step Ahead” April 2019        ...

02 April, 2019
TWO NEW STATE PARK INNS

We’re providing the structural design for two new hospitality complexes in the Tennessee State Park system, Paris Landing State Park Inn and the Inn at Fall Creek Falls. Each features hotel-type rooms, restaurants, and conference space. Paris Landing’s Inn is scheduled to open summer 2020. (pictured at top) Doster Construction.com “TDEC releases renderings” The 95,700-square foot Inn at Fall Creek Falls celebrated a ground breaking on January 15, 2019. (pictured at bottom) TimesFreePress.com 1.15.19  “Officials break......

11 February, 2019
LAKE NONA GROUNDBREAKING

SDG is working with ESa on the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center. The new $175 million, 64-bed teaching hospital on the campus of UCF College of Medicine recently held a ground breaking ceremony with the hospital scheduled to open by late 2020. HCA Healthcare is developing the hospital in partnership with UCF. Orlando Sentinel 10.25.18  “UCF, HCA break ground on teaching hospital in Lake Nona”      ...

31 January, 2019
NEW 20-STORY HOTEL IN NASHVILLE’S GULCH

We’re excited to be on the team with ESa for a new hotel project at 1101 Grundy Street. This striking 20-story hotel is leading the way for redevelopment in this area of downtown Nashville. Tennessean.com 1.22.19  “20-story hotel coming to dilapidated lot in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood”      ...

23 January, 2019
SDG NAMED TO NBJ 2019 LARGEST NASHVILLE-AREA ENGINEERING FIRMS

In January 2019, SDG was ranked as 13th largest Nashville-area engineering firm on the Top 25 list published by the Nashville Business Journal. Rankings are based on the number of local licensed engineers and SDG has 18 licensed PE’s / SE’s. SDG is the largest purely structural engineering firm in the Nashville area. SDG first appeared on the list in 2001 ranked 20th. Nashville Business Journal “Top of the List: Nashville’s Biggest Engineering Firms”  ...

22 January, 2019
CRSI Case Study: Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences

SDG project featured in CRSI Case Study. The CRSI Case Study of the VUBWC highlights the advantages to the use of a cast-in-place reinforced concrete structural system. “Combining strong aesthetic goals with sophisticated programmatic needs can create challenges that require careful consideration of every aspect of a healthcare project. That combination led designers to use a cast-in-place reinforced concrete structural system when they built a new eight-story building on top of an occupied four-level parking......

03 January, 2019
Crosstown Concourse – Memphis’ Vertical Urban Village

SDG provided structural engineering services for Crosstown Concourse, a $200 million, 10-story “Vertical Urban Village” that opened in 2017. The historic preservation of a former Sears distribution center and store now home to 265 apartment units, a 450-seat black box theater serving the “XQ Super School”, and outdoor swimming pool for the YMCA is featured in Building Design + Construction highlighting the role of Looney Ricks Kiss in the growth of Memphis. Memphis rising: Can......

16 August, 2018
NEW ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL NAMED

In January of 2018, Jared Ganstine was promoted to Associate Principal in the firm. Previously, he was a Design Engineer and Project Manager at SDG. Jared has been with SDG since 2004. He has 14 years of experience in the design of a variety of structural systems for healthcare, industrial, educational, and commercial facilities. He is a member of ASCE, AISC, and Structural Engineers Association of Tennessee.    ...

29 May, 2018
PCI Journal Features Article “Novel Use of Buckling-Restrained Braces in Precast Concrete Frames”

Jeff Viano and Tom Schaeffer publish feature article in PCI Journal, “Novel Use of Buckling-Restrained Braces in Precast Concrete Frames,” September-October 2017. Discussing the use of buckling-restrained braced frames as an innovative and relatively new solution for lateral-load resistance in steel-framed buildings in high seismic zones at a food-processing facility in Northeast Arkansas, less than 100 miles from the New Madrid seismic zone.        ...

19 September, 2017
SDG TEAM WINS “STRUCTURAL INGENUITY” AWARD IN 2017 CANstruction EVENT

Several volunteers from SDG teamed up again with Turner Construction and STG Design to compete in the annual fundraiser held at the Downtown Nashville Library benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. CANstruction is part of a national campaign where design industry professionals compete building structures made out of cans of food which are later donated to feed the hungry. Our submission was an ode to the classic Herman Melville novel, Moby Dick and “Can-mael“. Rather than......

12 April, 2017
America’s Largest On-Campus Housing Revitalization and Expansion at University of Kentucky

SDG provided structural engineering services for the University of Kentucky’s campus-wide housing project. The public-private partnership between the University and Education Realty Trust is America’s largest on-campus housing revitalization and expansion. Begun in 2012, it consists of 6,850 beds in 14 state-of-the-art buildings. There are 206 classrooms contained in the Living-Learning spaces. The total project cost is $459 million. This video by EdRtrust showcases the on-campus housing and development activity at the University of Kentucky.......

13 December, 2016
Pearland Medical Center opens in Texas

We are proud to have provided structural engineering services for this HCA-affiliated facility near Houston. Pearland Medical Center Opens In Texas      ...

13 December, 2016
The SoBro, Nashville’s New 32-Story Apartment Building Opens

Nashville’s tallest apartment tower, opened this fall, is featured in Crain’s Nashville. We are proud to have provided structural engineering services for the 32-story tower with 313 units at 205 Demonbreun. Nashville’s tallest apartment tower reshapes Music City skyline, luxury The SoBro’s Photo Gallery    ...

16 August, 2016
SDG’s 17th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Such fun!  We’re thankful to have shared a wonderful dinner and Jim’s annual competition – this year’s version was SDG Bingo!...

28 January, 2016
GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi OPENING MARCH 2016

We are proud to have provided the structural design of the new GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi – the world’s most technologically advanced music museum, on the campus of Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. The project was recently featured in the Mississippi Business Journal in an article entitled “Against all odds, Grammy museum rising in Mississippi”. http://msbusiness.com/2015/06/against-all-odds-grammy-museum-rising-in-mississippi/...

28 January, 2016
SDG NAMED TO NBJ 2016 LARGEST NASHVILLE-AREA ENGINEERING FIRMS

In January 2016, SDG was ranked as 11th largest Nashville-area engineering firm on the Top 25 list published by the Nashville Business Journal. Rankings are based on the number of local licensed engineers and SDG has 15 licensed PE’s / SE’s. In January 2015, SDG was ranked as 12th largest Nashville-area engineering firm. SDG first appeared on the list in 2001 ranked 20th....

28 January, 2016
SDG PARTICIPATES IN 2015 CANstruction EVENT

SDG had another successful CANstruction build. Several volunteers from SDG and our partner firm, Turner Construction, started the build at 8:00am and finished with a little time to spare (6:00pm is the end of construction, whether you are finished or not!). CANstruction supports Second Harvest Food Bank. Our structure, titled “Take a Bite Out of Hunger” featuring the Hungry Caterpillar, won Juror’s Favorite, an award claimed two years in a row by SDG. Our team......

28 January, 2016
CHARLES HAYNES PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL

In December of 2015, Charles Haynes was named to the Principal group of shareholders in the firm. Charles joined SDG in 2002. He has been an Associate Principal in SDG since 2007. He now shares in day-to-day operational responsibilities, along with providing structural engineering services and all phases of project design and management. He has over 20 years of structural design experience, including structural steel, reinforced concrete, concrete masonry, cold- formed steel and wood-framed projects.......

19 January, 2016
NEW ASSOCIATE PRINCIPALS NAMED

In December of 2015, Brian Champlin and Will Grigg were promoted to Associate Principals in the firm. Previously, both were Design Engineers and Project Managers at SDG. Brian has been at SDG since 2000. He has significant experience in conventional and post-tensioned concrete structures, as well as steel and masonry structures. He has worked on a wide range of projects including healthcare, educational, commercial and high-rise buildings. He is a member of AISC and Structural......

19 January, 2016
JOE CONNOR PROMOTED

Joe Connor has been promoted to Director of Construction Administration Services for Structural Design Group. He will be overseeing the structural aspects of construction for projects across the U.S., including healthcare, office, multi-family, commercial and educational projects. Joe has over 20 years of experience as a construction administrator, field engineer, and design engineer. He joined SDG in 2000, shortly after the firm’s founding, and was named an Associate Principal in 2005. He became a full......

13 July, 2015
ROBERT BOVINE RETIRES

Robert Bovine, one of SDG’s founding partners, retired in 2015. Robert spent over 40 years as a structural engineer. He oversaw the construction of thousands of projects across the United States. He has shared his knowledge and experience with many young engineers over the years and his influence at Structural Design Group will continue for many years to come. Joe Connor took over as SDG’s Director of Construction Administration. Joe has over 20 years of......

09 July, 2015
GULCH CROSSING OPENS

We are proud to be involved in the design of Gulch Crossing – one of Nashville’s newest premier office buildings. Scenes from the project site include the monumental stairs from 11th Avenue to Demonbreun Street and amazing views of downtown Nashville  …...

28 May, 2015
CHARLES HAYNES IS PART OF DELEGATION SENT TO NEPAL

Charles Haynes is one of a group of 10 engineers who specialize in masonry construction recently sent to Nepal at governmental request.  The group was sent to perform rapid structural assessments of masonry buildings in the area of the recent devastating earthquakes to determine if they were sound for occupancy, could have limited access pending further evaluation, or if they were recommended for demolition. During the assessments, local authorities assisted the team while receiving on......

18 May, 2015
SDG CELEBRATES WITH OUR FAMILIES AT ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

SDG employees enjoyed a wonderful evening of food and socializing with each other and with our families at our annual Christmas Party. The evening was capped by a friendly, annual Trivia Competition hosted by Jim Stephenson.  ...

12 December, 2014
SDG DESIGNING 4 OF THE 2014 TOP 25 NASHVILLE-AREA CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS NASHVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL

#5 Vanderbilt University – Engineering and Science Building. The 230,000 sq. ft., 7-story engineering and science building has an estimated construction cost of $109 million. #9 SoBro. 32-Story luxury apartment high-rise has an estimated construction cost of $90 million. #12 Gulch Crossing Office Building. 8-story Class A office space totaling 205,000 rentable sq. ft.; a 750-space, 6-level parking garage; 16,000 sq. ft. ground floor retail space has an estimated construction cost of $78 million.. #15......

05 December, 2014
SDG PARTICIPATES IN GINGERTOWN NASHVILLE 2014

Several SDG employees and their families participated for the third consecutive year in Gingertown Nashville 2014, a fun competition to build gingerbread houses benefitting Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Hospital Hospitality House, Ronald McDonald House, The Cumberland at Green Hills, The Next Door, and Adventure Science Center. We built the Runtz & Boltz Hardware Store and the Smarties Schoolhouse....

04 December, 2014
MURRAYS HONORED AT HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Paul and Lezlie Murray with Structural Design Group were honored at the 17th annual Love Helps, Inc. Holiday Luncheon. Paul and Lezlie were presented with the Edwin C. Rodgers, Jr. Heart of Distinction Award for their exemplary character and heart for helping others. This event supports the work of Love Helps, Inc., a nonprofit organization supported by the Murrays, Structural Design Group, and many others throughout the Nashville design and construction community, that has been......

04 December, 2014
SDG’S PRESIDENT, JIM STEPHENSON, SELECTED AS ONE OF NBJ’S NASHVILLE 2013 POWER LEADERS IN ARCHITECTURE/CONSTRUCTION/ENGINEERING:

To be selected as a Power Leader, the Nashville Business Journal started with a pool of the leaders of Nashville’s largest architecture, construction and engineering firms. Those executives then voted amongst themselves. Highlights from Jim’s conversation include: Of what project are you most proud? The Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital is a favorite because it provided children in the Nashville area their own hospital and it provides the physical resources for the doctors, nurses and families who......

03 May, 2014
SDG PARTICIPATES IN 2014 CANstruction EVENT TO SUPPORT SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

SDG was well represented at the CANstruction event to support Second Harvest Food Bank. Our structure, titled “Give Hunger the Boot” won two awards – Structural Ingenuity and Juror’s Favorite. Our team donated 2,300 cans to Second Harvest (the boot is 7 feet tall). The structures were on display at Cool Springs Galleria. Additional winners were the “sandwich” for Best Use of Labels and “Yum” won the award for Best Meal.  ...

21 April, 2014
PRINCIPALS NAMED

In January of 2014, Jeremy Salmon and Joe Connor were named to the Principal group of shareholders in the firm. Jeremy and Joe both joined SDG shortly after the firm’s formation in April and December of 2000, respectively. The two have been Associate Principals in SDG since 2005....

31 January, 2014
SDG NAMED TO NBJ 2013 LARGEST NASHVILLE-AREA ENGINEERING FIRMS

With 16 licensed engineers, SDG was ranked 10th largest Nashville-area engineering firm on the 2013 Top 25 list published by the Nashville Business Journal, which is based on the number of local licensed engineers. SDG first appeared on the list in 2001 ranked 20th....

15 February, 2013
SDG PARTICIPATES IN GINGERTOWN NASHVILLE 2012

SDG Staff built two structures, the Snowflake Café and the Performing Arts Center (featuring Sugarland), in the recent Gingertown Competition to build gingerbread houses benefitting Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Hospital Hospitality House, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Brookdale Senior Living. There were 56 buildings in all sitting on cocoa crispy-lined streets....

12 December, 2012