The first phase of Nashville State's new Southeast Campus began the tranformation of the former Dillard's store in the Hickory Hill Mall. This fast-track project had demolition occurring the day after the building was purchased. The initial 60,000 square-foot renovation included new classrooms, laboratories and a campus bookstore and was completed, with the help of Southland Constructors, in just 3.5 months--right on time for the fall 2012 semester. Phase 2 added another 45,000 square feet, but that wasn't enough to meet the high demand for classroom space in Middle Tennessee. Phase 3, a 50,000 square-foot renovation of the second floor, added much needed general classroom space, student lounge areas, and collaborative learning "nooks", accessed by a centralized circulation stair. The growing facility has received rave reviews from both NSCC students and the administration.