Collier Construction
The client
Real estate developmer specializing in creative urbanism
The problem we wanted to solve
Collier was working on the redevelopment of Mill Town and specifically the Coosa Mill, a historic and abandoned structure located in a disinvested part of Chattanooga. With total redevelopment far in the future, the area needed an injection of new energy to draw attention to its potential.
The work we ended up doing
Coeo worked closely with Collier to engage The Pop-up Project, an immersive performing arts troupe that told the story of the century-old mill through a series of dance and music events that attracted thousands of people to the space throughout the summer and fall.
Ethan Collier, CEO, Collier Construction:
“It was wildly successful. Arts for me were a huge priority, and this event gave us an opportunity to introduce our development to a socially and racially diverse community.”
What are some of the ways you worked with Kerry?
“Kerry saw the potential of the project immediately, so I didn’t have to convince him that the work we were doing was worthy.
“I also appreciate that Kerry doesn’t get sucked into a lot of ideas that aren’t actionable. If we had a good idea that we didn’t have the capacity to execute, it got parked and we moved on. I loved that he could grasp the realities of the economics of every decision we were making and how they impacted our business.
“The project got a ton of publicity, and yes, Kerry pitched all the PR.”
What surprised you about your work with Kerry?
“It was a joy. On the other side of it, the work we did together changed me, made me a better, more thoughtful person. Someday when I’m 80 and thinking about my past, that project we did together will be one of those things that lives in my head as being a fantastic season.”
What would you tell other potential clients is the best part of your work with Kerry?
“His personality, his energy, just makes it pretty fun to work with him. It never felt burdensome, it didn’t feel like drama or that I was going to leave overwhelmed, discouraged or frustrated. Fun goes a long way when much of what I do isn’t fun. Meeting with Kerry always was.”
