ARCO Design/Build, a leading design-build construction firm, recently wrapped up the 815 Building in Louisville, Kentucky, partnering with NTS Development Company. The project delivers a modern office space for Heaven Hill Brands, showcasing efficient tilt-wall construction that sped up timelines and cut costs. This completion highlights how innovative building techniques can transform commercial real estate in the region.
The 815 Building stands as a testament to collaborative excellence in the construction industry. ARCO and NTS broke ground on the project in June 2024, and just over a year later, they handed over the keys to Heaven Hill Brands. Located at the ShelbyHurst Office Campus, the 48,190-square-foot facility serves as a dedicated office for the spirits company, accommodating its growing operations in one of Kentucky’s bustling business hubs.
Heaven Hill Brands, known for its iconic bourbon and spirits portfolio, sought a custom space that blended functionality with aesthetic appeal. ARCO’s team designed the building to meet these needs precisely, incorporating open layouts, energy-efficient systems, and high-end finishes. The project’s swift completion underscores ARCO’s commitment to delivering on time, even amid supply chain challenges that have plagued the industry in recent years.
Innovative Tilt-Wall Construction Drives Efficiency
ARCO Design/Build employed tilt-wall construction for the 815 Building, a method that involves pouring concrete panels on-site and then tilting them into place to form the structure’s walls. This approach allowed the team to accelerate the building process significantly compared to traditional steel or precast methods.
Workers cast the concrete panels horizontally on the building’s floor slab, cured them, and then used cranes to lift and position them vertically. This technique minimizes material waste and enhances the building’s durability and insulation properties. ARCO’s expertise in tilt-wall shone through, as they adapted the method to create a sleek, modern facade that complements the campus’s existing architecture.
The Tilt-Up Concrete Association recognized the project for its versatility, noting how tilt-wall enabled creative design elements like varied panel textures and integrated windows. By pouring panels on-site, ARCO reduced transportation costs and environmental impact, aligning with sustainable building trends. This marked one of ARCO’s milestone projects in Louisville, where its local office has been expanding its footprint in industrial and commercial developments.
NTS Development, a full-service real estate firm based in Louisville, played a pivotal role in site selection and overall project management. Their collaboration with ARCO ensured seamless integration with the ShelbyHurst Campus, which already hosts educational and business tenants from the University of Louisville and beyond.
Key Facts and Project Milestones
ARCO and NTS announced the project’s completion on August 27, 2025, just in time for Heaven Hill to transition its teams into the new space. The building spans two stories, featuring collaborative workspaces, conference rooms, and amenities tailored to foster innovation in the spirits industry. Heaven Hill, founded in 1935, employs hundreds in Kentucky and sees this office as a hub for sales, marketing, and administrative functions.
Construction facts reveal the project’s scale: Over 100 workers contributed during peak phases, with tilt-wall panels weighing thousands of pounds each. The method shaved months off the schedule, allowing occupancy ahead of initial projections. Budget-wise, while exact figures remain private, ARCO’s tilt-wall solution provided cost savings estimated at 10-15% over conventional builds, according to industry benchmarks.
Safety remained a top priority throughout. ARCO implemented rigorous protocols, resulting in zero lost-time incidents—a feat in an industry where on-site risks are ever-present. The project also incorporated green features like LED lighting, low-VOC materials, and efficient HVAC systems, earning praise for its eco-friendly design.
Economic Boost for Kentucky’s Business Landscape
This completion injects vitality into Louisville’s economy. Heaven Hill’s expansion supports local jobs, from construction roles to ongoing office positions. Kentucky’s bourbon industry, a $9 billion economic driver, benefits directly as companies like Heaven Hill invest in infrastructure to meet global demand.
ARCO’s involvement bolsters the state’s reputation as a hub for advanced construction. With offices nationwide, ARCO brings national expertise to local projects, creating ripple effects through supplier contracts and community engagement. NTS, with its deep roots in Kentucky real estate, ensures developments like the 815 Building enhance urban landscapes without overwhelming resources.
Experts view this as part of a broader trend: Design-build firms like ARCO are reshaping how businesses approach expansions. By handling design, engineering, and construction under one roof, they eliminate silos that often delay projects. In Kentucky, where manufacturing and logistics thrive, such efficiency attracts more investment.
Spotlight on the Partners: ARCO, NTS, and Heaven Hill
ARCO Design/Build, headquartered in Atlanta, specializes in industrial, cold storage, and office projects across the U.S. Founded in 1992, the company has completed thousands of builds, earning awards for tilt-up innovations. Their Louisville branch, opened recently, focuses on serving the Midwest’s growing markets.
NTS Development Company, established in 1965, manages over 10 million square feet of properties in the region. They excel in office, retail, and multifamily developments, prioritizing sustainable and community-oriented designs.
Heaven Hill Brands, a family-owned distiller, produces beloved labels like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig. Their move to the 815 Building consolidates operations, positioning them for future growth in a competitive spirits market.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Future Projects
ARCO’s success with the 815 Building sets a benchmark for tilt-wall applications in office construction. As more firms adopt this method, expect faster turnarounds and innovative designs in commercial spaces. For Kentucky, this project signals continued growth in bourbon-related infrastructure, blending tradition with modern building prowess.
In a statement, ARCO leaders expressed pride in the partnership: “This project exemplifies how tilt-wall can deliver exceptional results efficiently.” As Heaven Hill settles in, the 815 Building stands ready to support the next chapter in Kentucky’s storied business narrative.
