Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Affordable Housing Solutions in Virginia
Founded in 1972, Lawson has dedicated over five decades to transforming housing landscapes across Virginia through vertically integrated expertise in development, construction, and property management. Our specialized focus on LIHTC, market-rate, and mixed-income multifamily communities reflects a commitment to addressing diverse housing needs while maintaining rigorous quality standards. With approximately 5,500 units currently managed and over 1,200 in development, we combine deep industry experience with innovative solutions to deliver value at every project stage. Recognized as a 2023 Best Place to Work in Multifamily, our team prioritizes collaborative partnerships, evidenced by long-standing relationships with design firms and financial institutions.Our core values of integrity, continuous improvement, and community impact guide every decision, ensuring we create not just housing but sustainable environments that enhance residents' lives. Through strategic navigation of complex funding processes like LIHTC, we maintain leadership in affordable housing development while fostering inclusive workplace culture. This operational philosophy has enabled landmark projects such as Refuge in Richmond and Williamson Reserve in Roanoke, demonstrating our capacity to deliver large-scale, socially impactful developments.
Services
Development
Construction
Property Management
LIHTC Housing
Senior Apartments
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have 50 years of specialized experience in multifamily housing development
- Our vertically integrated model ensures quality control across all project phases
- Award-winning team recognized as 2023 Best Place to Work in Multifamily
- Proven expertise in navigating complex LIHTC funding processes
- Community-focused approach with demonstrated social impact in Virginia
What people say
Outstanding collaborative partner
Unmatched LIHTC funding expertise
High-quality safe homes
Meticulous attention to detail
Strong foundation of trust
Services
Development
Lawson's development services encompass site acquisition, zoning approvals, and financial structuring for multifamily housing. Our team specializes in LIHTC projects, creating mixed-income communities that meet regulatory requirements while addressing local housing needs. With decades of experience, we deliver market-rate and affordable housing solutions that enhance community landscapes.
Construction
Our construction division manages all phases of multifamily development from groundbreaking to completion. Utilizing in-house expertise and trusted partners, we ensure quality craftsmanship across 80-180 unit communities. Specialized capabilities include navigating complex tax credit construction requirements and delivering energy-efficient housing solutions tailored to Virginia's diverse regions.
Property Management
Lawson's property management services cover leasing, maintenance, and resident services for 5,500+ units statewide. We implement best practices in tenant relations and operational efficiency while maintaining the integrity of income-restricted housing programs. Our team ensures long-term asset value through proactive maintenance and community engagement initiatives.
LIHTC Housing
Specializing in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments, we create sustainable affordable housing solutions that meet strict compliance standards. Our portfolio includes Williamson Reserve in Roanoke and Refuge in Richmond, demonstrating expertise in securing 9% tax credits and delivering high-quality, income-restricted apartments across Virginia's urban and suburban markets.
Senior Apartments
We develop and manage 55+ senior living communities featuring accessible design and age-appropriate amenities. These communities combine affordability with quality construction, offering safe, comfortable living environments tailored to older adults. Current projects reflect our commitment to expanding senior housing options in Virginia's growing markets.
People
Steve Lawson
Chairman of the Board
Steve Lawson leads Lawson Companies with decades of real estate expertise, guiding strategic direction while maintaining the firm's founding principles of integrity and community impact. His leadership has driven the company's growth into Virginia's premier affordable housing developer.
Questions
What types of housing does Lawson develop?
Lawson specializes in affordable housing, LIHTC developments, market-rate apartments, and senior living communities across Virginia.
How long has Lawson been in business?
Lawson has been developing, constructing, and managing multifamily housing since 1972, with 50 years of Virginia-focused expertise.
Where does Lawson operate?
We serve major Virginia markets including Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Roanoke areas.
What is LIHTC housing?
LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) developments provide affordable rental units through federal tax incentives that fund construction and rehabilitation of income-restricted housing.
