Harrison & Bates was organized in 1910 by the consolidation of the firms of Harrison Realty and John W. Bates Real Estate. In 1955, the partnership was incorporated with John W. Bates, Jr., as President and R. R. Harrison, Jr., as Executive Vice President. In 1990, the firm merged with the commercial division of Bowers, Nelms & Fonville, (Richmond’s largest residential real estate brokerage firm, now known as Long & Foster), forming one of the largest, full service, commercial firms in Virginia. In 1998, the firm affiliated with Grubb & Ellis and changed its name to Grubb & Ellis|Harrison & Bates while maintaining its local ownership and management. In 2005, the firm spread its ownership to 10 employees, expanded into new lines of business and relocated to new headquarters in Richmond's West End.
During the period of the 1950s through the 80s, Harrison & Bates was active in local development. For example, the firm was the early moving force behind the land assemblage for the Federal Reserve, Virginia Power and SunTrust Bank. It was also involved in the development of the first regional shopping center in the area, Willow Lawn Shopping Center.
Unlike some other local brokerage firms, Harrison & Bates moved out of the development business to reduce the opportunities for conflicts of interest with our developer clients. Our team can, therefore, provide unbiased creativity and insight needed to assist clients with new development opportunities. Vision and creativity have always been part of the Harrison & Bates culture, and these traits enable us to provide superior service and innovation to corporate users and investors in addition to developers.
A corporate history beginning in 1910 has established us as the most respected name in central Virginia commercial real estate. We are confident that your experience with us will provide you the best combination of professionalism and performance.
Business History