Our team recently celebrated the grand opening of the Phase III Improvements at Centennial Park!
At the center of the project is a new 6,465-square-foot Event Pavilion overlooking Lake Watauga. The pavilion is the first new building constructed in Centennial Park in more than 60 years and was designed to complement the park’s existing architecture while creating a flexible gathering space for the community. The open-air pavilion can accommodate a variety of event configurations and up to 1,250 guests standing for concerts, festivals, community programs, fundraisers, private events, and longtime park traditions.
Phase III also included the renovation of the park’s historic croquet clubhouse, originally constructed in 1963. Located next to the Sunken Garden, the building was transformed into the Croquet Cafe, offering food, refreshments, and merchandise to park visitors. The cafe features indoor seating, public restrooms, and an expansive outdoor courtyard, with proceeds helping support future improvements throughout Centennial Park. Additional work included upgraded pedestrian pathways, vehicle entrances, parking, and site improvements throughout the park’s north side to improve access and connectivity.
Working within an active public park required careful planning and coordination throughout construction. Our team worked closely with our project partners to maintain park access while completing the new pavilion, renovating the existing clubhouse, and coordinating the surrounding site improvements.
The August 2026 grand opening marked the completion of Phase III and the beginning of a new chapter for these spaces. As a Nashville-based contractor, we are grateful to have played a part in a project that builds on Centennial Park’s history while creating new opportunities for our community to enjoy it for years to come.
Photo Credit: Josh Von Reisch and Jason Bihler
