Croy Engineering has been a pivotal partner in shaping the Town Center Community since its inception. Founded by Jim Croy in 2005, Croy Engineering’s relationship with the Town Center Community can be traced back to Croy’s tenure as Cobb County’s Director of Transportation. From those early days, the partnership between Croy and the Town Center Community has flourished, delivering transformational infrastructure projects that have redefined the area’s growth and accessibility.
One of the first major projects Croy Engineering collaborated on was the Big Shanty Connector, a monumental undertaking where engineers cut through I-75 to create a roadway that alleviated traffic congestion on major arteries like Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road.
Greg Teague, president of Croy Engineering, recalls the significance of this project in reconnecting the community.
“Before the Big Shanty Connector was there, you had to go to Barrett Parkway or Chastain Road to get from one side of the interstate to the other, which both were very congested,” he said. “That project really helped reconnect the center of the community.”
Croy Engineering’s influence in the Town Center area didn’t stop with the Big Shanty Connector. Their work on the award-winning Skip Spann Connector stands as a testament to the firm’s innovative approach. This bridge, the first lighted one in Cobb County, not only improved traffic flow but also introduced an architectural flair, mimicking the contours of Kennesaw Mountain and adding a visual gateway into the region.
"It went beyond being just utilitarian," says Teague. "We knew this was going to be a gateway into Cobb County and really the Metro Atlanta region, so we wanted it to have a signature more than just the engineering use of getting cars from one side to the other."
For Teague and the team at Croy, these projects reflect a broader philosophy—making communities better. From reducing traffic congestion and improving commute times to creating opportunities for residents to engage with nature, the company’s involvement has enhanced the quality of life for many in the area.
“These projects made a real difference in people’s everyday lives by giving them more time back with their families instead of sitting in traffic,” says Teague.
Beyond roadways and bridges, Town Center Community’s comprehensive approach to community improvement is something Croy Engineering has fully embraced. The area now features extensive trail networks like the Noonday Creek Trail, which will soon connect to the Silver Comet Trail and eventually the Atlanta Beltline and beyond.
“You could literally get on a bike in Kennesaw and go to Alabama, staying on trails the whole way,” Teague notes, illustrating the long-term vision for the area’s connectivity and walkability.
As a Kennesaw State University (KSU) graduate (formerly Southern Polytechnic State University) and longtime Kennesaw resident, Teague feels a personal connection to the community’s growth. With three daughters attending or having graduated from KSU, he has seen the Town Center area transition from a sleepy community to a vibrant hub. His youngest daughter chose to live in Town Center Community, reflecting the area’s appeal for younger generations.
Looking ahead, Croy Engineering will continue to play an integral role in the future of Town Center. Teague emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between the Town Center Community and local government, a partnership rooted in mutual support and shared vision that has led to the community’s continued success.
