Builder & Leadership Spotlight: S.B. Ballard Construction Company – A Trusted Name in Building Hampton Roads

By Staff Writer, Hampton Roads Construction News Network

In Hampton Roads, few names carry as much weight in the construction industry as S.B. Ballard. For more than four decades, the Virginia Beach-based firm has earned its place among the most respected builders in the region, known for delivering complex, high-profile projects with precision, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the community. Founded by Stephen B. Ballard, the company’s beginnings were humble—a pickup truck, a toolbox, and a vision. Today, it stands as a regional powerhouse in construction management, design-build, and general contracting.

From the outset, Ballard built a reputation on trust and capability, tackling projects that would shape the very identity of Hampton Roads. The company’s work on Old Dominion University’s campus is perhaps its most recognized legacy, including the L.R. Hill Sports Complex and multiple student housing developments. These projects not only elevated ODU’s facilities but also reinforced Ballard’s standing as the go-to builder for large-scale institutional work.

Nowhere is that reputation more evident than at Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. In just one offseason, the company transformed the aging Foreman Field into a state-of-the-art, 21,944-seat stadium—preserving its historic character while enhancing fan amenities, sightlines, and accessibility. The project became a showcase of Ballard’s ability to balance tradition with innovation, delivering on time and within budget for a community deeply invested in its university’s future.

Sustainability and forward-thinking design are hallmarks of the firm’s approach. The stadium project earned LEED certification, with features such as water-saving fixtures, low-emission materials, and a 78% construction waste diversion rate. This commitment to environmentally responsible construction reflects Ballard’s understanding that great buildings must also serve future generations.

Beyond higher education, S.B. Ballard has demonstrated its expertise in high-security, high-stakes federal projects, including major facilities for the U.S. Navy and Army. These contracts, often exceeding $50 million, require not only technical excellence but also the bonding capacity, logistical skill, and regulatory knowledge that only a trusted builder can provide. In every sector—public, private, or military—Ballard’s work consistently meets the highest standards.

The company’s internal culture mirrors its external success. Recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” in the region, S.B. Ballard invests heavily in its people, fostering a work environment grounded in collaboration, respect, and professional growth. This commitment to its team directly translates into the quality of its projects and the strength of its client relationships.

As S.B. Ballard looks to the future, its legacy is already deeply woven into the fabric of Hampton Roads. From landmark civic spaces to cutting-edge educational facilities and critical military infrastructure, the company has shaped not only the region’s skyline but also its sense of community pride. In doing so, it has secured its place as one of the most trusted and respected names in Hampton Roads construction.

About the Hampton Roads Construction News Network (HRCNN)
The Hampton Roads Construction News Network delivers authoritative coverage of the people and projects shaping our region’s future. Through the Builder & Leadership Spotlight series, HRCNN highlights firms like S.B. Ballard that exemplify excellence in design, construction, and community leadership—ensuring their stories are shared with the audiences that matter most.

Virginia’s Builder of Choice: Six Decades of Excellence from The Breeden Company

By Hampton Roads Construction News Network Staff Writer

In Hampton Roads, when the conversation turns to multifamily development, one name consistently rises to the top: The Breeden Company. In Virginia Beach and Norfolk, there is simply no one better. Among privately held multifamily building firms, The Breeden Company stands as the best of the best—delivering communities whose quality, design, and performance have set the benchmark for more than six decades.

As part of the Hampton Roads Construction News Network’s Builder Spotlight series, this feature honors the legacy of Ramon W. Breeden Jr. and The Breeden Company’s enduring commitment to creating vibrant, enduring communities across the Commonwealth. From its early work in Virginia Beach to award-winning developments throughout the state, the company has consistently combined market insight, architectural excellence, and operational discipline to produce places people are proud to call home.

The Breeden Company’s portfolio spans Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Newport News, and Williamsburg, encompassing more than 15,000 apartments and over 2 million square feet of commercial and retail space. Signature projects such as Lake Taylor Pointe, The Lofts at Front Street, High Street Apartments, and Ascend at Hilltop each demonstrate Breeden’s unmatched ability to integrate thoughtful site planning with high-quality construction and first-class amenities.

Performance metrics reinforce this reputation for excellence. Breeden communities regularly achieve occupancy rates near 98 percent, with top national rankings in project completions, market value, and development pipeline. The company’s track record is further distinguished by national awards for design, construction quality, and resident satisfaction. Breeden’s vertical integration—through Breeden Construction and Breeden Property Management—ensures quality from concept through long-term operation, with resident satisfaction scores consistently placing in the top five percent nationwide.

The Breeden Company’s success is rooted in more than its ability to deliver buildings; it lies in a commitment to building communities that stand the test of time. This philosophy has made the company a trusted partner for municipalities, a sought-after employer for skilled professionals, and a model for private development excellence in Virginia.

Decade after decade, Breeden has demonstrated that local expertise, zoning knowledge, and a deep understanding of community needs are the keys to lasting success. Its ability to adapt to market shifts while maintaining exacting quality standards has ensured its position at the forefront of Virginia’s multifamily housing sector.

For Virginia Beach and Norfolk, The Breeden Company is more than a developer—it is the standard by which others are measured. In quality, in service, and in results, The Breeden Company has earned its place as Virginia’s Builder of Choice.

About the Hampton Roads Construction News Network (HRCNN)
The Hampton Roads Construction News Network is a regional news platform providing accurate, timely, and in-depth coverage of construction, infrastructure, zoning, and development in Hampton Roads and across Virginia. HRCNN serves as a trusted source for industry professionals, policymakers, and the public, offering fact-checked reporting and comprehensive analysis on the projects shaping our communities.

Crestfield Chesapeake VA: New Homes, Park, and Road Improvements Transform the City’s Residential Landscape

By Staff Writer — Hampton Roads Construction News Network

Chesapeake, VA — In Chesapeake’s growing residential market, progress is accelerating at Crestfield, a thoughtfully planned community by The Dragas Companies. With the sales office and model homes now open and construction advancing on additional units, Crestfield is quickly becoming a standout in the city’s new home offerings.

The Crestfield community reflects The Dragas Companies’ decades-long commitment to designing and building master-planned neighborhoods that combine architectural quality with a strong sense of place. Featuring a variety of home styles and amenities, the development is positioned to meet the needs of a diverse homebuyer base while maintaining a cohesive and well-planned environment.

The City of Chesapeake has expressed its appreciation for Helen Dragas’s leadership in bringing high-quality residential communities like Crestfield to life. Over the years, her vision has helped shape neighborhoods that are both livable and enduring, strengthening Chesapeake’s reputation as one of the most desirable places to live in Hampton Roads.

A key enhancement to Crestfield’s appeal is the planned new city park in Chesapeake located directly adjacent to the neighborhood. This multi-use park is envisioned to feature walking trails, open green lawns, and recreational amenities that will serve Crestfield residents and the broader community. The integration of public green space is designed to promote outdoor recreation, community engagement, and environmental health — all priorities in Chesapeake’s long-term planning. The park is expected to become a central gathering place and a valued asset for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and community groups.

Supporting the neighborhood’s growth are significant Elbow Road improvements in Chesapeake, a major infrastructure investment by the city. These upgrades include roadway widening, enhanced drainage systems, and improved intersections to accommodate increased traffic and improve safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The Elbow Road project is part of Chesapeake’s broader transportation strategy, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with residential development while improving commuter connections to employment centers, shopping districts, and recreational destinations.

Crestfield’s neighborhood design incorporates open spaces, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, and strategic connectivity to surrounding developments — features that are increasingly important to homebuyers seeking both quality housing and a vibrant community environment. The development also supports Chesapeake’s residential growth strategy, offering housing options that align with the city’s long-range planning objectives.

With a proven track record in Hampton Roads, The Dragas Companies has delivered numerous award-winning communities known for their attention to detail, integration of green space, and emphasis on building neighborhoods that endure. Crestfield continues that legacy, blending modern amenities with timeless design principles.

As sales progress and new residents prepare to move in, Crestfield is on track to become a defining example of Chesapeake residential development — where high-quality home construction is supported by forward-thinking public investments in parks, transportation, and infrastructure.

About HRCNN: The Hampton Roads Construction News Network (HRCNN) provides in-depth reporting on construction, infrastructure, zoning, and economic development projects across Hampton Roads. Our mission is to inform, engage, and foster meaningful conversation about the projects shaping our region’s future.

Bridging the Past and the Future: Deep Creek Bridge Project Enters Critical Phase

By HRCNN Staff Writer | August 2025 | Chesapeake, VA

In the Deep Creek neighborhood of Chesapeake, Virginia, an infrastructure transformation nearly a century in the making is approaching a defining moment. For decades, the Deep Creek Bridge—a narrow, two-lane bascule span built in 1934—has served as a vital connector for drivers, businesses, and maritime traffic along U.S. Route 17. But with daily traffic counts nearing 30,000 vehicles and the structure long labeled “functionally obsolete,” calls for a replacement intensified in recent years as congestion worsened and maintenance challenges mounted.

After years of delay, the long-anticipated replacement is now underway. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the City of Chesapeake, broke ground on the Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project in fall 2023. The $59.5 million investment, awarded to Archer Western Construction LLC, will replace the aging drawbridge with a five-lane, dual-leaf bascule span situated approximately 100 feet south of the original crossing. Measuring 144 feet in length and 60 feet wide, the new bridge is designed to enhance capacity, improve safety, and preserve navigational access along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Although the original bridge was a product of its time—built when vehicle weights were lighter and the region less developed—it has become a choke point in an increasingly urbanized corridor. Emergency vehicles, freight haulers, and commuters have long faced steep inclines, lane constraints, and unexpected closures tied to the aging draw system. The new structure, once complete, will accommodate modern traffic standards and improve throughput on a critical stretch of Route 17.

Construction has not gone unnoticed by residents and local businesses. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, crews have staged materials, shifted traffic, and coordinated complex utility relocations. Intermittent closures and detours—particularly near Mill Creek Parkway—have drawn both frustration and understanding from the community.

“I’ve lived here for over 20 years,” said one business owner located near the construction zone. “Yes, it’s been tough, but I see this as an investment that will pay off for the next generation.”

Despite soft soils and subsurface challenges that complicated early foundation work, the project remains on schedule. Structural elements such as the concrete decking and mechanical components for the draw spans are now in place. A newly constructed bridge tender’s house stands ready, and according to USACE officials, traffic is expected to begin shifting onto the new span before the end of 2025. The full project is slated for completion by late 2027.

Community members can receive traffic alerts and construction updates by texting “DCBridge” to 888777 or by visiting the City of Chesapeake’s dedicated project page. The replacement bridge will remain toll-free and, upon completion, operations and maintenance responsibilities will transfer to the City.

Though not without inconvenience, the Deep Creek Bridge replacement has come to represent more than just a transportation upgrade. It reflects the long arc of public infrastructure development—where federal legislation, local advocacy, and engineering innovation converge to meet the needs of a growing region. The effort also underscores a broader shift in Hampton Roads, where legacy infrastructure built in the early 20th century is now being reimagined for resilience, capacity, and future growth.

The new bridge is expected to not only improve daily life for thousands of residents but also support long-term economic development, strengthen freight movement, and enhance emergency response times across the southern Chesapeake area. As the steel rises and the structure takes shape, the project offers a clear reminder that even in an era of rapid digital advancement, the work of building—and rebuilding—physical infrastructure remains a cornerstone of progress.

The Hampton Roads Construction News Network (HRCNN) is a Virginia-based editorial initiative powered by Earthly Infrastructure®. Our mission is to deliver professional, policy-aligned reporting on zoning, land use, stormwater, transportation, code reform, and the built environment across the Commonwealth. HRCNN features interviews, site visits, and expert commentary from public officials, planners, builders, and advocates shaping Virginia’s infrastructure landscape. Learn more or submit a story at earthlyinfrastructure.com/hrcnn.