Leo and Robert Downey organized L.A. Downey & Son after the end of World War II, beginning on November 29, 1945 as a mostly residential and repair business. By the mid 50's, the company had moved heavily into commercial and public work, with an emphasis on Federal contracts along the coast of North Carolina.
Until the death of Leo Downey in 1965, L.A. Downey & Son was a partnership. It became a corporation in 1966 and grew steadily as a result of sound management, good planning and capable personnel. The company maintained the kind of leadership and training necessary to provide a personal touch from the smallest job to the largest contracts.
In 1974 an Eastern Division was established in New Bern, North Carolina, which was moved to Newport in 1984. This division served Eastern North Carolina until it was split off to a separate company at the end of 2000.
Upon retirement of Robert Downey in 1981, his son, William A. Downey assumed responsibilty for the operation of the company. Under the direction of a versatile management team, L.A. Downey & Son, Inc. has continued to grow. Skilled supervisors with state-of-the-art technical experience blended with seasoned management forms a construction team that is dependable, able to supply the latest technology and respond to the needs of its clients.
The next generation of ownership is already in place. As of October 8, 2009, W. Allen Downey, Jr. was appointed President and COO.Allen will continue L. A. Downey & Son’s long tradition of integrity and quality construction.
