Feature

H.J. Russell focuses on expansion with S.P.A.C.E. Venues

US-based real estate development and constructions services firm H.J. Russell & Company has moved to expand its service offering with the launch of S.P.A.C.E. Venues, a new division that will focus on sports, public assembly, convention and entertainment facilities.

S.P.A.C.E. Venues, which will now operate as a division of H.J. Russell & Company Construction/Program Management Services, will build on the firm’s rich history of development work in the US.

Last year, the company completed work on a number of major projects, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. (pictured); the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas; the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Virginia; and McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

Russell said the new division will enable it to continue to “explore and impact sports, entertainment and public assembly spaces in other markets throughout the United States and beyond”.

Some of the company’s biggest projects have been in Atlanta, Georgia, including Turner Field, home of Major League Baseball franchise the Atlanta Braves, and Georgia State University’s Panther Stadium.

Referencing these projects, Michael Russell, chief executive of H.J. Russell & Company, said: “We believe we can, with our experience, help other markets and communities shape their skylines and sports, convention and entertainment patron experiences by building exceptional facilities just as we have and will continue to do in Atlanta.”

To support its ongoing expansion plans, H.J. Russell & Company recently hired Bryan Jackson as its vice-president to lead its program management division.

In addition, the firm retained the expertise of industry executive HB Brantley, a 30-year veteran of the architecture, construction and program management industries. Brantley will bring additional focus to the sports and public assembly market concentration of H.J. Russell & Company.

Speaking about the new launch, Brantley said: “I am both excited and proud to be a part of the S.P.A.C.E. Venues division for H.J. Russell & Company because of their reputation, stability, longevity and nimble entrepreneurial spirit.

“Russell demonstrates operational expertise and has the ability to strategically team with multiple joint venture partners. Their body of work and commitment to excellence is unparalleled.”

Image: Rex Hammock