Norfolk is bordered by multiple bodies of water, and its coastal zones have become a vital part of the city’s economy.  The city is conveniently located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, which allows flexible exchange for import and export goods from the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, as well as internationally. The Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base globally, is also situated here, along with NATO’s Strategic Command Headquarters.

With its booming economy and many miles of riverfront and bayfront properties available, more people are relocating to this refreshing city. This pushed developers to build numerous multifamily properties to accommodate the influx of soon-to-be residents. These developers have hired leading firms to complete these projects, and most of them are on this list of the best multifamily contractors in Norfolk, Virginia. These firms were selected based on their ability to create complex builds, decades of experience, and excellent customer service. Several of these firms have consistently ranked as leading contractors in the industry, as they’ve received prestigious awards.

Clancy & Theys Construction Company

11830 Fishing Point Dr, Suite 201, Newport News, VA 23606

Clancy & Theys Construction Company is a construction firm specializing in general contracting, design-build, at-risk construction managing, pre-construction, and virtual design and construction or BIM. Since the firm’s inception in 1949, the Clancy & Theys team has completed numerous projects across nineteen states and has opened five regional offices. They are recognized for their excellence and wide range of expertise nationwide, and they are listed as the Fourth Top Triangle General Contractor, as well as one of ENR’s Top 100 Green Builders, Top 100 CM at-Risk Contractor, and Top 200 Contractors.

The firm has an impressive portfolio of stunning multifamily housings; The Roebuck is one of its best. The historic Security & Safe Deposit Co. Warehouse was renovated to what is now known as The Roebuck Apartments, after being vacant for years. The Clancy & Theys team restored the hundred-year-old building and converted it into a 58,008-square-foot modern apartment building complete with luxury amenities. It now houses fifty-seven one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, along with a fitness center and a rooftop terrace, with cornhole area, grilling and dining spaces, and fire pits. A new floating dock made with wood pilings was also constructed to replace the old pier, allowing residents to go kayaking. The restoration project was recognized by prestigious associations and brought home various awards, such as the Award of Merit for Best Renovated or Historic Rehabilitation Project from the HRACRE and the Honor Award of Excellence in Historic Restoration from the ABC Virginia Chapter.

Breeden Construction

228 N. Lynnhaven Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Breeden Construction has served the state of Virginia for almost fifty years, and since then, it has provided developers with their construction needs, such as preconstruction, value engineering, general contracting, design-build, and construction management. 

The firm has amassed an impressive list of awards, including the 2021 Platinum Awards for the Best Curb Appeal, the Best Amenities, and the Best Maintenance Shop, all from the Coastal Multifamily Housing Council. It has been featured by various media publications, such as the Virginia Business, Hampton Roads, and Richmond Times-Dispatch. The team’s sharp precision and calculated approach prove vital to its success. They treat every phase of construction with careful attention to detail, impeccable communication, and collaboration. Each project is guaranteed to be high-quality and to exceed expectations.

A testament to the firm’s excellence is the Pinewell Station. The Breeden team completed over 235,850 square-foot multifamily housings in the 6.92-acre lot. Compacted aggregate piles with a post-tension concrete podium were used to support each building and ensure its stability. The team constructed four-story wood-framed structures that now house 145 apartments, with two traction elevators. A fitness center was also added above the clubhouse and leasing office, along with the rooftop amenity area, complete with grilling stations and lounge area overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. To accommodate the residents’ children and furry friends, a large dog park and playground area were added adjacent to the pool and cabana situated behind the property.

Woda Cooper Companies

206 Del Rhodes Ave, Suite 202, Queenstown, MD 21658

Woda Cooper Companies was initially established in 1990 to build single-family homes and apartments. A low-income housing tax credit program was developed, thus advancing the firm to affordable housing constructions. The Woda Cooper team completed and now operates more than 350 properties and 16,000 housing units and generated over $1.5 billion worth of properties. Since its inception, the firm has provided affordable homes to more than 30,000 residents and still continues to do so. Today, the firm is licensed to operate across sixteen states in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions of the country and is one of the leading affordable housing developers and owners.

Jeffrey J. Woda leads the Woda Cooper team as the Managing Director and President, along with the firm’s principal, David Cooper Jr. Jeffrey is currently a board member of the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association, a committee member of the Housing Credit Group of the National Association of Home Builders, a member of the Columbus and Franklin County Housing Advisory Board, and a board member in Bethany College. David is a former chair of the Housing Credit Group of the National Association of Home Builders and previously served as a board of director for various manufacturing and financial companies.

Bonaventure Construction

5705 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Suite 109, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Since 1999, Bonaventure Construction has delivered impeccable projects throughout Virginia and Missouri. Creating strong and meaningful connections within communities is the firm’s purpose. Its team of highly skilled professionals does all the heavy work that lets the client live a worry-free life. The firm is also committed to a green approach by initiating sustainable energy practices that strictly comply with Virginia’s Clean Economy Act of 2020 and HUD’s green loan program. Most of the firm’s communities are ENERGY STAR certified by the US Environmental Protection Energy and have proven to be energy-efficient. This results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and helps residents save on energy costs.

The Aura Downtown is among the firm’s remarkable works. It’s conveniently located in the vibrant arts district of Downtown Norfolk and just blocks away from the striking waters of the Elizabeth River. A diverse array of restaurants, bars, and groceries are nearby and within walking distance. The property is designed to provide luxury and comfort to tenants through upscale and spacious apartments. For a more ecological approach, each unit is equipped with NEST 3rd generation learning thermostats and advanced sustainable heating and cooling systems. Several recreational spaces were also added, such as the billiards room, the fitness center, the salt-water pool with sundeck, and the media room.

VIRTEXCO Corporation

977 Norfolk Square, Norfolk, VA 23502

Established in 1976, VIRTEXCO Corporation is an employee-owned construction firm specializing in professional construction services, mainly in preconstruction, design/build, construction management, general contracting, historic renovations, and sustainable constructions. The firm is a proven expert in the field and has delivered numerous accurate projects beforehand while lowering the overall project costs. The team consists of excellent craftsmen and professionals, with several of them LEED AP certified. Commitment to customers is one of their main priorities, and a testament to this is how eighty-five percent of their projects are from repeat clients.

VIRTEXCO was behind the impressive renovation of the historic 112-year-old Rockefeller building in Williamsburg, Virginia. The team preserved the 92,781 square-foot property and remodeled it to house eighty-six new luxury apartments, complete with restored plaster columns and beams and terrazzo and wood floorings. The exterior’s masonry, terracotta and limestone sill, and concrete structure were maintained. A 29,537 square-foot space was also added for mixed-use. Nearly $9.5 million was spent to complete the project.

Covington Contracting

152 Newtown Rd, Suite 120, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Covington Contracting has been in the construction industry for thirty-nine years and has built, developed, and renovated projects in Hampton Roads. The firm has completed over $255 million worth of developments since its inception while actively participating in various charitable and non-profit organizations. Graham Convington, the firm’s president and owner, leads a team that continuously upholds the firm’s tradition and reputation: building honesty and integrity. With the help of skilled subcontractors, vendors, and trades-people, the team ensures that clients will be prioritized and each job will be completed right, whether custom home building, remodeling, renovation, multifamily, or land development.

The Covington team constructed The Watermark at Talbot Park. The luxury apartments are situated near the Naval Air Station and Lafayette River and house one to three-bedroom units. Each one of them is designed with a contemporary theme, complete with high ceilings, a fully equipped kitchen, elegant bathrooms, spacious walk-in closets, and balconies. Various areas for recreational activities are also available, including a resort-style pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a fitness facility.