Lawson was founded in 1972 by Robert A. “Bob” Lawson with a simple but powerful idea: real estate should create value not just for investors, but for people and communities.
In the early years, the company focused on residential development, building homes and communities across Virginia. Through a commitment to integrity, quality, and long-term relationships, Lawson established a reputation that continues to define the company today.
As the company evolved, so did its understanding of housing needs. Lawson expanded beyond traditional development into a broader real estate platform, adding construction, property management, and asset management capabilities. This evolution laid the foundation for what Lawson is today: a fully vertically integrated real estate firm.
Over time, one thing became increasingly clear – the need for high-quality, affordable housing was growing, and underserved. Lawson leaned into that need and became an early adopter of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, which remains central to the company’s work today. This focus allows Lawson to create high-quality affordable housing communities that are comparable to nearby market rate apartments.
As housing affordability and supply challenges continue to affect our communities, Lawson is committed to being part of the solution, by developing affordable, accessible multifamily communities for our neighbors who need it most.
Because at its core, our story has always been about creating community through affordable housing.