When we first began working on Valley Post along Shelby County Highway 41, the site of the former TreeTop Family Adventure, it was clear this project would represent a transformation. What once served the community in one capacity would become something entirely new: a thoughtfully designed destination where people could gather, dine, and spend time together. Our role at Sain Associates was to take that vision and shape it into a site that works as well as it looks.
Sain partnered with Capstone Real Estate Investments and the Pihakis Restaurant Group to take this vision from concept to reality. Our team refined the early site layout and guided its evolution into a final base design that supports each tenant’s operational needs. From utility infrastructure to site circulation, every element was shaped with purpose.
Creating an Inviting Outdoor Experience
One of the elements I was most excited about was the landscaped courtyard and outdoor gathering space. These areas were central to the identity of Valley Post. They needed to feel open and welcoming, while functioning seamlessly with the rest of the site.
Our team worked closely with the landscape architect to coordinate grading, hardscape features, pedestrian circulation, and underground utilities. Every decision had to support both the visual appeal and the long-term function of the space. We looked carefully at how people would move through the courtyard, how drainage would interact with planting areas, and how infrastructure could be integrated without disrupting the overall aesthetic.
Seeing those outdoor spaces come together has been one of the most rewarding parts of the project.
Solving for Parking and Access
The most challenging aspect of the design was fitting everything the site required into a limited footprint. We needed to meet parking counts, maintain full fire truck access throughout the development, and preserve truck access across the property for an adjacent owner.
Balancing those competing demands required multiple iterations of the layout. Adjusting one element often meant reworking another. Parking stalls, drive aisles, fire lanes, landscape areas, and courtyard space all had to function together without compromise.
Through close coordination with the design team and local officials, we developed a plan that satisfies regulatory requirements while maintaining the character and flow of the site.
A Collaborative Effort
Projects like Valley Post succeed because of collaboration. From the owner and architect to the landscape architect and contractors, every partner played a role in shaping the final outcome. As the civil engineer, our responsibility was to connect the vision with practical solutions and guide the project through each technical challenge.
Today, Valley Post stands as a vibrant destination along Highway 41. I’m proud of the way our team helped bring it to life, blending infrastructure, landscape, and circulation into a cohesive development that serves both our client and the community.