​Liftoff…

As noted above, it was also during this time that the first development related opportunities started too arise. While Gary and David were leading the construction efforts on some of the most technically challenging projects the company had undertaken to date, and Joe Jr. was leading the company as a whole, these new potential development opportunities required a different approach. Knowing these development efforts were eminent, PDG was formed and Gary was tasked with running the new company. Through the family's contacts and Gary's knack for finding opportunities, various projects ranging from hotels and Verizon Wireless stores to large retail centers, such as Thoroughbred Village in Cool Springs/Franklin and The Oaks in Murfreesboro, began to arise. However the best was yet to come, as in 2005, Nashville West started construction. The project, which was a joint venture with another Nashville based development firm and is anchored by Target and Costco, was a turning point in PDGs efforts. Nashville West cemented the firm’s reputation for innovation and ability to execute and create outstanding projects with characteristics and amenities that help drive customer loyalty and tenant satisfaction. While Nashville West still has land to be developed for several different uses, it is considered to be one of the metro area’s strongest shopping centers. After Nashville West, attention was turned to The Melrose, a mixed-use project focusing on bringing a new and vibrant multi-family housing option to the Melrose - Berry Hill – 12 South area. The project also involved incorporating the renovation of several restaurants and bars, as well as first floor retail in conjunction with the apartments. The project started the re-vitalization of the area and the firm's efforts towards incorporating historical elements of the site or area into the final product. At Melrose, many of the original architectural elements were retained, including most of the original signage and marquee and remains a testament to Parkes’ desire, where possible, to enhance and improve upon existing structures and possibilities.  

The Recent Past

Recently, PDGs efforts intensified and grew to feature some of Middle Tennessee/Nashville's best know projects and sites. Additionally, in the past two years, PDG has partnered with Alabama based Alumni Properties to undertake some of largest and most meaningful retail projects currently underway in Alabama (see the 'Our Projects' pages). However, in those same two years, PDG has operated in a tenuous environment, as inflation racked construction costs and the commercial real estate capital markets, in general, ground to a near halt. However, thanks to Gary’s “eye” for the value of potential real estate and understanding of possibility of associated governmental incentives, PDGs pipeline remains robust.

Addition to the PDG Family

In many ways due to that robustness, in late 2023, Patrick Cox, a 20 year veteran of the CRE development landscape, joined PDG. Patrick has served as the CEO and CFO of various development companies and helped oversee their growth and maturation. He spent almost 10 years in Nashville, and via the companies he helped lead during that timeframe, built a strong bilateral relationship with the Parkes. Patrick will focus on the Capital Markets (debt placement, equity raises, project structuring, etc.) and Corporate Structuring (operations, financial reporting, etc.) aspects of PDG, while also assisting Gary where directed in any other areas (i.e. development issues, pipeline management, business development, etc.). 

The Future

While proud of where we have been and the relationships we have built, we are even more excited about the future and where that future will take PDG. However, one thing will remain as a constant: our focus on Relationships and Outcomes. Under the continued stewardship of the Parkes family, and with an eye towards these core beliefs, we know full well the best is still yet to come. ​