Nashville Business Journal

After closing on a monumental construction loan last week, Nashville-based AJ Capital Partners revealed a large roster of firms that are working to make the 15.5-acre Belle Meade Village development a reality. The new $475 million loan, one of the largest in Nashville history, is supporting construction of the transformative project that will include luxury condo buildings, a retail development with more than 40 storefronts, a boutique hotel, an antique carousel, more than 6 acres of public green spaces, and much more.

AJ Capital Partners (Nashville-based):
Led by Ben Weprin, AJ Capital is largely known as the driving force behind the transformation of Wedgewood Houston from a sleepier industrial spot to a hot new neighborhood, and is still underway on several new developments in the area. Nationally, AJ Capital is known for its creation of hospitality brands, including Graduate Hotels, Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, and Field & Stream Lodge Co. The firm's current portfolio includes $6 billion of assets across more than 100 properties in 50 markets globally.

Barings (Charlotte):
Construction lender Barings is one of the world's largest real estate management firms with more than $481 billion in global assets under management. In 2021, the firm announced a joint partnership with Houston-based Hines to buy and develop Jim Reed's Midtown land. The firms purchased a portion of the property, but little movement has been made since then.

Brasfield & Gorrie (Birmingham):
General contractor Brasfield & Gorrie ranks as the fourth-largest construction firm in Nashville with $885 million in billings in 2024, according to Business Journal research. The firm has completed 360 projects in Tennessee, totaling more than $6 billion, and is also the general contractor for Tony Giarratana's 60-story Paramount tower.

Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (Chicago):
Architect for the broader project. This isn't Hartshore Plunkard's first rodeo in Nashville. The design firm has worked with AJ Capital Partners on other local projects including the Graduate Hotel Nashville, Soho House and Nashville Warehouse Co. in Wedgewood Houston.

Hastings Architecture (Nashville):
Architect for broader project Led by William Hastings, the homegrown firm ranks as the third-largest in Nashville and has received several national recognitions and awards for its work. The firm is has been involved in several significant Nashville developments including Geodis Park, Asurion's Gulch headquarters, Peabody Union and more.

Meyer Davis (New York City):
Interior designer for luxury condos The renowned design firm was founded by Nashville residents Will Meyer and Gray Davis. Named 2025 design firm of the year by Hospitality Design Magazine, the firm's clients include Four Seasons, Auberge Resorts Collection, Mandarin Oriental, The Ritz Carlton, W Hotels and Loews Hotels, among others.

Fridrich & Clark Realty (Nashville):
Brokerage leading condo sales Fridrich & Clark is best known for leading ultra-luxury homes sales across the city. The firm is currently heading sales for the nearby The Manning condo development, as well as the 60-story Paramount tower that's underway in downtown Nashville.

Hawkins Partners (Nashville):
Landscape architect

Barge Civil Associates (Nashville):
Site planner

Raymond James Real Estate Investment Banking (St. Petersburg, Florida): Financial advisor for AJ Capital