Norfolk is the third most populated city in Virginia and is one of the oldest cities in its metropolitan area. It is often described as a mix of a historic, urban, and cultural hub and is best known for housing noteworthy structures and sites such as the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Naval Station Norfolk. With its heavy foot traffic, the city of Norfolk is a popular place for commercial builds.
This list showcases ten of Norfolk’s best and leading commercial contractors that help many businesses achieve their needs. Our editorial team curated this list based on their excellent experiences and backgrounds, in addition to their outstanding portfolios.
KBS Inc.
360 Southport Circle Suite 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Founded in 1975, KBS provides its clients a complete and comprehensive range of services. It operates out of its offices in Richmond and Virginia Beach and takes great pride in the long-term partnerships and clients it has curated for itself through the years. The company is also consistently rated as among the Top 30 Construction companies in the mid-Atlantic region. The firm is personally led by its owner and founder, Bill Paulette. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in civil engineering. He also served as a former member of the Virginia State Board for Contractors and oversees each and every aspect of the entire process.
The company has developed a good reputation and has earned itself many high rankings. In 2021, it was named as the 249th company in the country by the Engineering News-Record. It was also recognized as the fifth leading general contractor in Virginia by Virginia Business. The photo below depicts the company’s great tenant improvements for the CarMax Midtown Innovation Center.
S.B. Ballard Construction Company
2828 Shipps Corner Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453
S.B. Ballard Construction provides a complete range of general contracting services and operates out of its office in Virginia Beach. It extends its services throughout the mid-Atlantic region and is especially noted for its design-build processes, green building, comprehensive preconstruction, and virtual design work. The firm draws inspiration from over four decades of industry experience and has taken on projects regardless of size or scale. Some of its most impressive spaces include work completed for Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children, Kellam High School, Virginia Beach Seawall/Boardwalk, Lyman B. Brooks Library at Norfolk State University and the Ted Constant Convocation Center and S.B. Ballard Football Stadium at Old Dominion University.
The project below was completed for MacArthur Center Mall and Parking Garage. It entailed working on its foundations and slabs and spans over a million square feet of concrete. The structure includes a variety of planters and benches.
Sussex Development Corporation
109 S. Lynnhaven Rd. #200, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Established in 1990, Sussex Development Corporation was founded by Harry Davis, a Virginia Beach native who holds a degree from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Under his leadership, the firm has had the opportunity to work with some of the best and largest construction firms in the country and can take on projects regardless of complexity. The company is also noted for its high attention to detail and expertise in healthcare, recreational facilities, banking, education, retail, and industrial structures. It is the proud recipient of numerous distinctions from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Virginia.
The photo below was completed for Fink’s Jewelers. For this project, the firm’s team took into great consideration the brand’s history and vision. This new structure that Sussex Development Corporation completed serves as the company’s largest location and features a new floorplan and hospitality lounge.
Compo Construction Company
2704 Florida Ave., Norfolk, VA 23513
Compo Construction has been in business since 1992 and is headquartered in its office in Norfolk. The firm takes great pride in its over 80% repeat clientele rate and specializes in every phase and aspect of the commercial construction and design process. The company utilizes a highly collaborative team approach for its project delivery, which has resulted in a holistic approach throughout the entire process. Compo is also regarded for its safety processes, assuring clients of its clean and healthy working environments.
The photo below depicts the firm’s work for Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse. It features a beautiful contemporary design with a rich color palette that complements its wood-paneled flooring.
Pro/Vost
208 W 25th St., Norfolk, VA 23517
Pro/Vost draws inspiration from over a hundred years of collective industry experience and credits its success to its talented team members. It specializes in retail, restaurant, multi-family, and adaptive reuse construction and has been in business since 2009. The firm operates out of its office in Norfolk and Newport News and is licensed to operate in over 40 states. The firm is personally led by its president, Jonathan Provost. He first started growing his business while studying Civil Engineering at Old Dominion University and maintains a highly hands-on approach. The photo below is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise.
The company successfully completed this Domino’s branch from the ground-up while keeping the existing pizza theater operational. Complete with drive-thru, Pro/Vost built directly in front of the existing pizza place before it and demolished it after the grand opening of the new restaurant. Pro/Vost is a national general contractor licensed in 43 states. Nationwide, it completes mainly restaurant and retail projects. Locally, it does it all — from restaurant and retail to multi-family, historic remodels, and government projects. See this video.
Virtexco General Contractors
977 Norfolk Square, Norfolk, VA 23502
Virtexco General Contractors is an award-winning and renowned firm that offers a complete range of construction management services. The company offers its clients over four decades of industry experience and is also regarded for its general contracting and has had the opportunity to work in some of the best areas in Richmond and Hampton Roads. Virtexco is proud to be employee-owned and is also regarded for its take on the design-build approach. It maintains affiliations with vital organizations like the AGC, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and the National Safety Council. This allows it to stay up-to-date with some of the best and latest techniques.
The photo below depicts the firm’s Rockefeller Apartments Renovations. It entailed working on this historic preservation and the transformation of over 92,000 square feet of space. Inside, there are 86 luxury apartments and beautiful plaster columns and beams, terrazzo, and wood flooring. The apartment includes an impressive new fitness center and club room.
Raymond Key Commercial Contracting
4014 Tanglewood Trail, Chesapeake, VA 23325
Since its establishment, Raymond Key Commercial Contracting has worked on over a thousand projects, varying in size and scale. It specializes in both commercial and residential projects and draws inspiration from over four decades of industry experience. Its portfolio depicts an excellent range of kitchens, bathrooms, home additions, and specialty commercial spaces with services including pre-construction work and green building designs. The firm has been in business since 2004 and has worked on spaces spanning over 80,000 square feet. The firm is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. The photo below is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise.
The Raymond team has the ability to self-perform every phase and aspect of the entire process. Together, they assist clients to obtain permits and everything else that may arise during construction. It commits itself to the standards set forth by LEED, assuring brands that all of their spaces are sustainable and eco-friendly.
HOY Construction
3495 Progress Rd., Norfolk, VA 23502
HOY Construction has been in business since 1933 and specializes in constructing and renovating commercial, industrial and institutional facilities. It operates out of its office in Norfolk and showcases talent for a wide variety of architectural vernaculars. The firm is a family owned-and-operated business that maintains relationships with some of the area’s best and leading subcontractors and suppliers. It operates on an open-book policy, which enables it to maintain a transparent and hands-on approach with its clients. This method allows its clients to review records at any point during the process. It is also regarded for its competitive pricing.
The photo below is an excellent example of the company’s expertise. It depicts its work for the Harbor View Station East located in Suffolk. For this project, the firm’s team worked in collaboration with the professionals over at HBA Architects.
Woodard Group
5375 Henneman Dr. Suite A, Norfolk, VA 23513
The Woodard Group has been in business since 1989 and is headquartered in Norfolk. It is a full-service general contractor and commercial construction firm and is regarded for its commitment to providing cost-effective solutions for all of its projects and spaces. The firm’s portfolio depicts an excellent range of tenant improvements, ground-up construction, and custom millwork. The company is composed of a talented team of professionals and superintendents who are present throughout the entire process.
Keith Woodard and Nancy Weiss are two of the founding members at Woodard Group. Woodard drew inspiration from over four decades of commercial construction and development experience and first gained experience working with various companies before establishing the firm. Weiss, on the other hand, first worked with the team at Turner Development. She has retired but still maintains contact with the firm.
M&M Contractors
508 Baylor Court Suite B, Chesapeake, VA 23320
M&M Contractors specializes in commercial and industrial projects and is regarded for its innovative solutions. It is a full-service, design-build general contracting firm that is often regarded for its pre-engineered steel building systems, metal roofing, conventional construction, and commercial/industrial remodeling. Given its years in business, M&M is also noted for its long-term partnerships and relationships. It has also had the opportunity to work in some great areas in Hampton Roads, Williamsburg, and Northeast North Carolina. The firm dedicates itself to the highest standards and is also regarded for its commitment to creating affordable solutions.
The firm’s projects depict a great range of manufacturing facilities, offices, and retail spaces. It also has excellent distribution centers, museums, and educational facilities. With a bevy of services and designs under its belt, the company can also take on any theme regardless of scale or complexity.
