Our History

Over the Years

A timeline of the evolution of J. E. Burton Construction Company.

1937-1949

  • John Edward Burton, Sr. and partners open J. E. Burton Construction Company. The company concentrates on building supply sales, residential and light commercial construction.
1950's

  • Constructs first consolidated public High School in Halifax County, VA.
  • Refocuses on commercial, industrial and institutional construction and grows reach throughout southern Virginia and central North Carolina.
1960's

  • Focuses on textile and wood manufacturing industry. Competes successfully for new school projects throughout Virginia, establishing long-term clients that continue into today.
  • John “Johnny” Burton, Jr. becomes the second generation President.
1970's

  • Constructs first food processing facility in Southside Virginia.
  • Continues serving southern Virginia & central North Carolina clients involved in: Hospital/Healthcare, Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (Schools, Religious & Public)
1980's

  • Adapts to manufacturing and healthcare explosion.
  • Dean Elliott joined the company in 1985.
  • Brian Burton joined the company in 1988.
1990's

  • Continues support for changes in healthcare technology.
  • Focuses on industrial technology.
2000's

  • Adopts new project delivery methods including Design/Build services.
  • Enters Technology Market and is selected to construct Riverstone One.
  • Completes first LEED registered project in Southside Virginia at the H.E.F. Innovation Center (American Tobacco Warehouse).
  • Brian Burton becomes third generation president 2001.
  • Melody Davis joins the company as Bookkeeper in 2007.
  • Expanded Halifax Regional Hospital with two new floors, Cath lab, imaging department and other interior renovations, expansions and updates to bring the hospital up to date.
2010's

photo of historical renovation of Dan River Research Building

  • Christian Willis joined the company in 2010 as Project Manager.
  • Kathy Long joined the company 2016 as Administrative Assistant.
  • Continuing to restructure southside Virginia with more historical renovations – utilizing market, state and federal credits in a multi-function facility in the former Dan River Research Building, Danville VA.
2020's

photo of Mike's Pizza

  • Dean Elliott retires after thirty-five years with the company.
  • Christian Willis is named the new Vice President.
  • Jay Jennings joins the company as its newest Project Manager

Read more about us from Virginia Construction Elite.