Janet Miller: Immigration crackdowns ‘to impact the construction industry’
Increased immigration enforcement activity in Nashville is generating fear among Latino workers, a group that forms a critical backbone of the city’s construction industry—during the 16th annual Project Management Symposium hosted by Vanderbilt University, Janet Miller—outgoing CEO and market leader at Colliers Nashville—warned that this climate of fear is already impacting the workforce. “If any segment of the workforce is afraid to go to work, it is going to impact the construction industry,” she said, receiving near-unanimous agreement from a room full of industry professionals. Recent activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including mass vehicle stops in South Nashville, has intensified concerns, regardless of workers’ legal status. With Latino workers comprising 13.8% of Nashville’s population, their absence could bring construction projects to a standstill.
Miller emphasized the wider economic implications of a diminished workforce, especially amid Nashville’s ongoing building boom and already strained labor pool. She highlighted how the removal of a significant labor segment would increase costs due to unchanged demand and reduced supply. This concern isn’t limited to construction—several restaurants and entertainment venues in downtown Nashville have also been affected, with some closing early due to ICE-related fears among staff. As Miller put it, “It doesn’t matter if they’re here legally or not, there’s still fear in a certain population right now,” a sentiment that echoes broader issues about working conditions and community well-being.
Source: Nashville Business Journal, May 2025. Article summarized and shared under fair use for educational and industry insight purposes.
The National Observer: Real Estate: New office-construction pipeline dwindles
Despite persistent tenant demand for modern, high-quality office space, new office construction in the U.S. is experiencing a sharp decline. According to the Nashville Business Journal, office construction starts in early 2025 were just 2.8 million square feet, a drastic drop from 123.6 million square feet in late 2019. Experts like Liz Hart from Newmark explain that the current market lacks the economic stability required to kickstart large-scale developments. As a result, landlords are instead upgrading existing Class A-minus spaces to attract tenants. Meanwhile, office build-out costs are rising, currently averaging $245 to $335 per square foot, with tariffs threatening to push those figures higher.
The effects of recent tariff policies are already influencing construction strategies. Companies like Timberlab and JE Dunn are adjusting by investing in domestic supply chains and pivoting toward public-sector projects. Project managers are encouraging owners to bring in general contractors earlier in the design process to better manage cost risks. Additionally, broader industry shifts—like delayed renovations and changing product availability at major retailers—suggest a ripple effect across sectors. The rising costs and constrained supply underscore the urgency for proactive planning and integrated project delivery in today’s construction environment.
Source: Nashville Business Journal, May 2025. Article summarized and shared under fair use for educational and industry insight purposes.
See construction of the $2.31 billion IU Health hospital complex downtown
The Indianapolis Star recently published a visual update on IU Health’s new downtown hospital, showcasing significant construction progress on what is set to be one of Indiana’s largest health care campuses. The photo gallery highlights completed steel framing, the start of exterior work, and early development of surrounding infrastructure and green spaces. This multi-phase project, aimed at expanding access to care and modernizing medical facilities, is scheduled for completion by 2027 and reflects a broader vision for integrating wellness, innovation, and community-friendly design into the city’s health care landscape.
Photos and updates courtesy of the Indianapolis Star. Summarized under fair use for informational purposes.
Signia Hotel construction is towering over downtown Indy
The Signia by Hilton hotel is making a dramatic mark on the Indianapolis skyline as construction continues on what will be the city’s tallest hotel. Located next to the Indiana Convention Center, the 40-story structure will feature over 800 rooms, luxury amenities, and expansive meeting spaces designed to attract major conventions and boost downtown tourism. As reported by WRTV, city leaders view the project as a catalyst for economic growth, with completion expected in time for Indianapolis to host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and other major events.
Source: WRTV Indianapolis. Summary shared under fair use for informational and industry insight purposes.
Indianapolis plans $268 million in public works construction in 2025
The City of Indianapolis is ramping up its infrastructure efforts with over $1.4 billion in construction investments planned through 2025, according to a report from WISH-TV. The Department of Public Works is prioritizing road repairs, bridge rehabilitations, sidewalk expansions, and stormwater improvements—part of the largest infrastructure investment in the city’s history. Mayor Joe Hogsett emphasized that these projects will not only enhance safety and mobility but also create thousands of local jobs, with a focus on neighborhood equity and long-term sustainability.
Source: WISH-TV. Summary presented under fair use for informational purposes.
Ford CEO welcomes relief on tariffs but says more work is needed on trade policies to spur growth
Ford is voicing concerns about potential trade tariffs proposed by former President Donald Trump, warning they could jeopardize its $5.8 billion BlueOval SK battery plant currently under construction in Glendale, Kentucky. According to AP News, Ford executives say higher tariffs on imported materials—especially from China—could increase production costs and threaten U.S. job creation tied to electric vehicle manufacturing. The plant, set to begin operations in 2026, is seen as a cornerstone in Ford’s EV strategy and a major economic driver for Kentucky, raising the stakes of future trade policy decisions.
Source: Associated Press. Summary shared under fair use for educational and informational purposes.
Sovereignty wins the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby
Sovereignty triumphed in the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs, overcoming muddy conditions to secure victory over 18 competitors. Entering the race with 5-1 odds, the colt outpaced the favored Journalism, who finished second, followed by Baeza in third. Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty completed the 1¼-mile race in 2:02.31, earning a $3.1 million share of the $5 million purse for owner Godolphin, marking their first Derby win after 13 attempts.
Source: CBS News. Summary provided under fair use for informational purposes.
Apartments could kick off long-awaited development near Louisville soccer stadium
A long-anticipated redevelopment project near Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville is set to begin with a proposed 300-unit apartment complex, according to Louisville Public Media. The development, located in the Butchertown neighborhood, is part of a broader effort to revitalize the area surrounding the soccer stadium with a mix of housing, retail, and entertainment. City officials and developers see the apartments as a key first step in transforming the stadium’s surroundings into a vibrant, walkable district that attracts both residents and visitors.
Source: Louisville Public Media. Summary shared under fair use for informational and community insight purposes.
‘Hyperscale’ data center project drawing resistance in rural Oldham County
A proposed $6 billion hyperscale data center in rural Oldham County, Kentucky, is facing significant opposition from local residents. Western Hospitality Partners plans to build an eight-building, 2 million square-foot complex that would consume up to 600 megawatts of power—approximately ten times the county’s current usage. While the company touts potential economic benefits, including $51 million in annual tax revenue and thousands of construction jobs, residents express concerns over environmental impacts, noise pollution, and the transformation of their rural community. Critics also question the company’s attempt to classify the facility as a “private utility,” a move seen as circumventing standard zoning procedures. State Senator Lindsey Tichenor and local advocacy groups argue that such a designation undermines community input and proper regulatory oversight. The controversy highlights the tension between economic development and preserving the character of rural areas.
Source: Louisville Public Media (LPM). Summary provided under fair use for informational and community awareness purposes.
Ford Will Open Up BlueOval SK EV Battery Plant To Nissan
Ford will open its BlueOval SK Battery Park in Glendale, Kentucky, to Nissan, marking a strategic collaboration in the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) industry. Through a partnership with SK On, Nissan will receive around 100 gigawatt-hours of high-nickel batteries between 2028 and 2033 to support its next-gen EV production in Canton, Mississippi. This move helps Nissan mitigate tariffs and bolster domestic sourcing as it recovers from a $4.5 billion Q1 loss. Initially designed for two operational plants, only one is currently active due to softened EV demand, but Nissan’s involvement will help maximize the site’s capacity and employment potential.
Source: Ford Authority. Summary provided under fair use for informational and industry insight purposes.