OUR EXPERTISE

  • New development, including site selection, feasibility analysis, design, construction and stabilization
  • Acquisition of land, value-add opportunities, and select income producing assets
  • End-to-end project capabilities from land acquisition to development, construction, and property management
  • Development, acquisition and rehab of conventional and income-restricted communities including LIHTC, HUD, Section 8 and other programs offering housing subsidies
  • We specialize in complicated jobs and truly believe if we can’t get it done, no one can.

Trust our Development Team to see Your Project Through.

At Lawson, we have the expertise and confidence that comes with five decades of development success.

Lawson’s vertical integration (handling development, construction, property management and asset management) gives us a depth of knowledge that few can match. We’ve cultivated partnerships with local and state housing agencies, municipalities, lenders and design professionals. And we’re skilled at executing diverse deal structures emphasizing creativity, transparency, collaboration and the best path to a successful outcome.

Simply put, we’re experts at seeing the big picture and doing what it takes to structure and close complex deals.

IDEAL SITE CHARACTERISTICS

  • 3+ acres
  • Minimal to moderate demolition required
  • Multifamily zoning preferred
  • We will buy your land or partner with you on development

WILL SEXAUER

Acquisitions Manager

757-499-6161

Let’s Talk About Your Development Project

Testimonials

See what our clients and partners have to say about us.

Lawson has been an outstanding collaborative partner with Timmons Group. Lawson focuses on projects from inception on the development side, then perform as a general contractor during construction, finally transitioning to long-term ownership and property management. The Lawson team is passionate and dedicated to rewriting the landscape of housing solutions, and their expertise in navigating the complexities of the LiHTC funding process is unmatched. This is evident in their selection of design partners as well as their commitment to improvement of internal and external processes with each successive project.
Amelia Wehunt
Group Leader, Principal
Timmons Group
Lawson has been a part of the Towne family for many years and continues to be one of our most valuable members. What began as a traditional banking relationship involving loans and deposits has evolved into a multi-faceted partnership which includes Towne’s equity investments in Lawson’s affordable housing programs. When presented with an opportunity to partner with the Lawson folks on a new project, we jump at the opportunity because we have absolute confidence in the quality of the team. We are incredibly proud to play a part in bringing high-quality, safe, beautiful homes to our friends and neighbors throughout Virginia.
Anne Conner
President of Public Finance & Community Investment
TowneBank
Our firm was impressed with Lawson’s meticulous attention to detail, prompt responsiveness, and transparent communication, which built a strong foundation of trust. We look forward to future collaborations with such a polished multifamily development partner.
Terrell L. Marsh
President and Managing Director
SVN Providence Realty Advisors
Lawson communicates clearly, operates efficiently, and performs with the highest level of integrity in the business. We have been most impressed with their ability to navigate the challenging conditional use permit process, rezoning process, and tax credit and financing process.rn
F. Gresham Wall, III
Director of Leasing and Development, Runnymede
Lawson shows what affordable housing can be – a great neighbor, an asset to the community, and a great place to live.
Andrew M. Friedman
Director of Virginia Beach Housing and Neighborhood Preservation

Where we operate in Virginia

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Prince William, Spotsylvania & Stafford Counties

RICHMOND

Richmond, Henrico, Goochland, Hanover & Chesterfield Counties

HAMPTON ROADS

All Southside & Peninsula Markets

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Lynchburg and surrounding areas

BLUE RIDGE REGION

Roanoke and surrounding areas

Recent Lawson Developments

Miller’s Rest – Phase 2

Lynchburg, VA
Completed 2025 | 115 Units

The Landing at Mason’s Bridge

Woodbridge, VA
Completed 2025 | 342 Units

Miller’s Rest – Phase 1

Lynchburg, VA
Completed 2024 | 80 Units

Market Heights

Norfolk, VA
Completed 2023 | 164 Units

The Foundry

Richmond, VA
Completed 2022 | 200 Units

The Retreat @ Harbor Point

Norfolk, VA
Completed 2020 | 246 Units

Alexander at 1090

Richmond, VA
Completed 2020 | 96 Units

Seaside Harbor

Virginia Beach, VA
Completed 2018 | 76 Units

Baker Woods

Virginia Beach, VA
Completed 2016 | 96 Units

Upcoming Lawson Developments

Refuge

Richmond, VA
In Development | Expected Completion 2028 | 180 Units

Miller’s Rest – Phase III

Lynchburg, VA
In Development | Expected Completion 2027 | 160 Units

The View at Belle Isle

Richmond, VA
Construction Started | Expected Completion 2026 | 116 Units

700 West 44

Richmond, VA
Construction Started | Expected Completion 2026 | 144 Units

Smith Ridge Commons

Roanoke, VA
Construction Started | Expected Completion 2025 | 216 Units

Latest Development News

LAWSON BREAKS GROUND ON PHASE III OF MILLER’S REST APARTMENTS, ADDING 160 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES IN LYNCHBURG

June 8, 2026

Norfolk, VA – June 8, 2026 – Lawson, a Virginia-based real estate development, construction, and management firm, celebrated the groundbreaking of phase III of Miller’s Rest Apartments, a new 160-unit affordable housing development that will further expand housing opportunities for individuals and families in Lynchburg earning at or below 80% AMI. Upon completion, Miller’s Rest […]

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LAWSON’S MARKET HEIGHTS APARTMENTS FEATURED ON NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOUR SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

April 3, 2026

Norfolk, VA – April 3, 2026 – Students and their families from Norfolk Public Schools recently visited Market Heights Apartments as part of the school division’s annual services expo bus tour, connecting young adults with disabilities to resources that support independent living after graduation.  Key Highlights:  Located in Norfolk’s St. Paul’s District, Market Heights Apartments is a 164-unit affordable […]

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LAWSON AWARDED 9% TAX CREDITS FOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY IN ROANOKE, VA

October 23, 2025

Norfolk, VA – October 23, 2025 – Lawson, a leading real estate firm specializing in the development, construction, and management of affordable housing, is proud to announce it has been awarded 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) for a new affordable housing community, Williamson Reserve Apartments, in Roanoke, Virginia. Williamson Reserve will bring 80 new […]

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