In 1910, C.V. York founded a construction company on his core commitment to service. More than 100 years of growth have passed. The company’s scope has broadened but the stewardship to his legacy remains solid under the fourth generation of York leadership. With our commitment to client and community service, we expect York to be around for the next century.
C.V. York was one of the original organizers and partners in the Building and Lumber Company of Greenville, NC. In the early 1900s, they made their mark on our state by constructing the first four buildings of East Carolina Teachers College (now East Carolina University). CV was also a partner in York & Cobb Construction Company. Both companies enhanced the Greenville community until the end of the decade when C.V. purchased the interests of the Cobb Brothers to form York Construction Company.
1903
C.V. York, R.J. Cobb, W.C. Mayo, and M.G. Mayo incorporate the Building and Lumber Company of Greenville, NC
1907
Built Jarvis Memorial Methodist Church
1908
Awarded contract for the first four buildings of East Carolina Teachers College (now East Carolina University)
1909
Awarded contract for two additional buildings at East Carolina; Built Queen St. Methodist Episcopal Church in Kinston
1910
Building and Lumber Company and York & Cobb cease operations when CV York purchases the Cobbs’ assets
In 1910, York Construction Company relocates to Raleigh and subsequently builds many of the capital city’s landmarks including Memorial Auditorium, Capital Apartments (the first multi-story housing in the city), the Sir Walter Hotel, the North Carolina State University Bell Tower and several classroom buildings.
1910
First 10 houses in Bloomsbury subdivision; Winston Hall and Patterson Hall at NC State University
1915
Raleigh’s second firehouse
1916
Incorporated the Capital Apartments Company and introduced high-rise apartment living to Raleigh
1921
First house in Boylan Heights
1922
First half of Memorial Bell Tower, Ricks Hall, South Dormitory, Dining Hall and Laundry at NC State University
1923
Leonard Hall at Shaw University and the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel
1931
Officers’ Quarters at Fort Bragg
1932
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
1939
Anderson Heights neighborhood
J. Willie York, son of founder C.V. York, develops the first shopping center in the Southeast in 1949. With its tree-lined walks and one–of–a–kind boutiques and restaurants, Cameron Village remains a premier Triangle destination. York Properties has managed Triangle area real estate ever since, a credential unmatched by any other company. Willie was also instrumental in the expansion of Raleigh-Durham International Airport and chaired the State Board of Conservation and Development under Governor Dan Moore. As a member of the Raleigh Board of Education, Willie made the motion to desegregate the school system in 1960.
1941
Upon the death of C.V. York, J. Willie York is named president of York Construction Company at the age of 29.
1947
Construction begins on the 238-unit Cameron Village Apartments which subsequently wins the National Association of Home Builders contest
1949
Village District (formerly known as Cameron Village Shopping Center) is developed
1952
The last apartments constructed in Village District – Daniels Street Apartments – are built
1955
Builds the Raleigh Farmers Market on US 1 North
1960
Completes Northgate Shopping Center in Durham
1963
Constructs The Velvet Cloak on Hillsborough Street, a luxury motor hotel (Demolished in 2017)
1975
Willle forms J.W. York & Company, Inc. (predecessor to York Properties, Inc.)
1976
Willie is appointed to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. His service ended in 1985.
In 1977, Smedes York is named President of York Properties, continuing his father Willie’s legacy of putting clients and community first. Among his numerous leadership roles, Smedes served on the City Council and two terms as the mayor of Raleigh, and as past chairman of the RDU Airport Authority, North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry and the Research Triangle Park Foundation. In addition to leading York Properties, he is also the board chairman of Prudential York Simpson Underwood (residential real estate) and McDonald York Building Company (commercial construction).
1977
Smedes York, son of Willie York, is named President of York Construction.
1979
Smedes York is elected Mayor of Raleigh and serves two terms.
1983
J.W. York & Company becomes York Properties, Inc.
1993
York Construction sells off a majority stake to Coleman and Wood, and is renamed McDonald York Construction Company (Now McDonald York Building Company) – a partnership between Smedes York and Jack McDonald
1993
Smedes’ son, George York, graduates from Wake Forest University and comes to work for the company, beginning in property management and retail leasing
2000
The purchase of Lyston Farmer & Associates helps solidify York Properties’ position as a 3rd party property management firm
George York takes over the reins as President of York Properties in 2009. In 2010, York celebrates 100 years in business. While the fundamental purpose of the business has not changed, the company has expanded services and grown in new geographic markets. Our impact on the communities where we live and work has been significant, and we continue to look for new ways to provide outstanding service to our clients and make a difference.
Smedes’ son George is following in the York tradition of business and community leadership. He is past president of the Triangle Commercial Association of Realtors and serves or has served on the boards of McDonald York Building Company, Southlight, Interact, the Rex Hospital Corporate Council, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. Through his leadership, the company is poised to tackle new challenges and embrace new opportunities.
2009
George York, son of Smedes, grandson of Willie and great-grandson of C.V., is named president of York Properties, Inc.
2010
York celebrates 100 years in business.
2011
Business ventures with a capital partner lead to the redevelopment of 111 Seaboard and Village Square Shopping Center, and the purchase of Powerhouse Square and Harvest Plaza Shopping Center
Today
George continues to focus on building property services. Third-party commercial real estate services growth reaches 70% of portfolio.
When C.V. York founded the construction company, he started a family legacy of giving back to the community. At York Properties, we believe that good leaders are defined by their commitment to serving others. Today, we are led by an energetic group of professionals, each involved in making the Triangle a better place to live for all of us.
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