In 1910, C.V. York founded the York Construction Company in Raleigh, North Carolina where it has become an integral part of the development of the community. C.V. got his start with the company, York and Cobb of Greenville, North Carolina, which began making its mark on our state in the early 1900s, by breaking ground on the first five buildings of East Carolina Teachers College (now East Carolina University).
The York Legacy
-
1910 – 1930s
C.V. York purchased the interest of the Cobb brothers in 1910 and moved the business to Raleigh. York Construction Company subsequently built 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.
Charles Vance "C.V" York, Founder
Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh, NC (est. 1932)
-
1940s – 1970s
J. Willie York, son of founder C.V. York, developed 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.
J.W. "Willie" York, President 1941–1977
Cameron Village, Raleigh, NC (est.1949)
-
1980s – 2000s
Smedes York, board chairman of York Properties, has continued 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 he is a past chairman of the RDU Airport Authority and North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry. 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).
G. Smedes York
President 1977-2009
Chairman of the Board - presentl to r: Smedes York, Settle Dockery, Hal Worth, Ed Willer and Joe Kalkhurst (c. 1985)
-
2010 – current
In 2010, the organization celebrated 100 years in business. While the fundamental purpose of the business has not changed, the company has changed in many ways including expanding services and growing in new geographic markets. Our impact on the communities in which we live and work has been significant, and we continue to look for new ways to provide outstanding service to our clients and to make a difference. Smedes' son George is following in the York tradition of business and community leadership. He is President of York Properties and a board member of McDonald York Building Company. He is past president of the Triangle Commercial Association of Realtors and serves on the boards of Southlight, Interact, the Rex Hospital Corporate Council and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. Through his leadership the company is poised to tackle new challenges and embrace new opportunities.
George York, President 2009-current
l to r: John Kerr, John Koonce, George York, Henry Ward, Lamont Farmer (c. 2010)
Follow Us