McDonald York

Building the Triangle Area For Over 100 Years

In business for over 100 years, McDonald York has experienced profound changes, growing exponentially in size and capability. We are now presented with challenges and opportunities that could not have been imagined in the early part of the 20th century, and we we continue to seek innovation in the way we work to effectively meet these challenges.

Timeline

1910's - 1920's

Charles Vance York founded the firm York and Cobb in 1904 in Greenville, NC. In 1910, C.V. York purchased the interests of the Cobb brothers and moved the business to Raleigh and started York Construction Company. York constructed a number of notable projects in Raleigh in the early 1900's including Capital Apartments, NCSU Bell Tower, Sir Walter Hotel, and Memorial Auditorium. C.V. York was an active builder and respected member of the Raleigh community until his death in 1941.

1930's - 1950's

James Wesley ("Willie") York, C.V.'s son, expanded his father's business after World War II. In 1949, York developed the Southeast's first major shopping center and planned community, Cameron Village. In the 50's, the Farmer's Market, a city landmark was built by York.

1960's - 1980's

After completing his military service and earning an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill, Smedes York, Willie's son, joined the company in 1968. Like his father, Smedes became very active in civic life, serving on the Raleigh Durham Airport Authority, Raleigh City Council in 1977 and as Raleigh's Mayor in 1979 and 1981. In 1977, Smedes became President of York Construction Company and Mission Valley, Cary Village Square, 801 and 702 Oberlin Road office buildings were built by York Construction during this time. Willie York was Chairman of York Construction until his retirement in the mid-1980's.

1993 - 2003

83 years of York ownership came to an end in 1993 when the York's sold their interest in the company to Coleman and Wood and the merged company was named McDonald York. Smedes York became Chairman and Jack McDonald who was President of Coleman and Wood was named President.

2003 - 2010

In 2003, Smedes York and Jack McDonald bought the company outright. The strength of their 100% ownership has become evident since 2003 with significant improvements and growth occurring in every area of the company. As the company expanded, a core group of outstanding young leaders filled executive positions within the firm.

2010 - present

Today Heather Denny is President, having become only the 5th in our 100 year history and the first woman president of a construction company in the Triangle. She is assisted by a core group of outstanding leaders including Michael McDonald, Mike Kriston and Cary Lail.