BARGE CAUTHEN & ASSOCIATES TRANSITIONS TO NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP

Nashville-based civil engineering firm Barge Cauthen & Associates transitions to the next generation of leadership as Dan Barge III turns over ownership of the firm he founded in 1994.

“Dan has grown BCA into one of the Nashville area’s top civil engineering firms,” said John Gore, one of a trio of new owners. “The team and management transition process he has put into place allows the firm to continue its strong growth trajectory while positioning the next generation of leaders for future ownership opportunities.” Gore joins Jeff Hooper and Liza Rivers as BCA’s new owners. All three will carry the titles of principal and have been with the firm 22, 23 and 29 years respectively. 

“Dan has not only witnessed the explosive growth of the Nashville area over his 46-year career, but he’s also been a pivotal figure in helping shape its skyline,” said Hooper. “We often tell new employees that when they look at Nashville’s skyline from any angle, there’s a good chance they are looking at a project that we helped design.”

Barge will remain an integral part of BCA’s leadership this year. “I feel very fortunate that the civil engineering firm I co-founded 29 years ago will remain independently employee owned, led by home-grown talent who remain dedicated to excellent client service while maintaining the culture of this great company,” said Barge. “Jeff, John, and Liza have contributed in large part to the success we have experienced over the years.”

As part of the ownership change, the firm is changing its name to Barge Civil Associates (BCA). “We are still BCA. Civil engineering and the name Barge are synonymous in this town,” said Rivers. “Our new name reflects the evolution of the company while honoring Dan’s legacy and the impact he continues to have on the area’s-built environment.”

BCA specializes in site planning, design and land development for both public and private-sector clients primarily in Middle Tennessee. The firm is recognized by industry peers for its collaborative approach, thoughtful urban development with an emphasis on connectivity and walkability, and for its ability to implement creative solutions for incredibly tough sites while successfully navigating these challenges through regulatory and review processes.

Since its inception, BCA has completed nearly 7,000 projects including overseeing the construction of more than $750 million of mixed-use developments for H.G. Hill Realty Company and nearly 30 years’ worth of campus improvements to Vanderbilt University, Barge’s alma mater. The firm prides itself on establishing sound relationships with its clients that has led to numerous collaborations with Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Middle Tennessee State University, Montgomery Bell Academy, Rutherford County Board of Education, Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Additional notable projects include: Austin Peay State University’s Health Professions Building, First Horizon Park, Geodis Park, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s hotel and parking garage, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department – Southeast Police Precinct, Nashville Juvenile Justice Center and Vanderbilt University’s Rothschild College.

Projects currently in the pipeline include Belle Meade Plaza, Harding Town Center, Albion Music Row, 445 Park Commons and five contracts for the 600-acre proposed Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Training Academy Campus.

The firm currently has 32 employees including 10 licensed Professional Engineers and plans to hire additional staff in 2023 to accommodate its next stage of growth.