In 1923, at the request of developers Thomas Bland and Broadus Griffin, William E. left the Atlantic Coastline Railroad of Rocky Mount to oversee construction of the mechanical system for Raleigh’s first high rise hotel, the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel. He remained as its maintenance engineer for a short period following completion. Bolton Company for the purpose of installing and servicing coal-fire
d heating and commercial refrigeration systems for local dairies and meat packing plants. The Bolton Company endured the Great Depression and continued to grow steadily through the 1930s. leased an office and shop building on the corner of West Martin and Harrington Streets until the outbreak of World War II. Shortages caused by the war reduced sales and forced Bolton to operate his business out of his home. After 6 years aboard the USS Yorktown and finishing his degree from North Carolina State College, William E. joined his father, and with only three employees – opened a new office at 519 West North Street in 1946. Bolton Company played an active part of Raleigh’s phenomenal post-war growth. They continued serving their residential customers while seeking an ever-greater share of the commercial market. In 1963, the Company received its single largest project to that date when it was awarded the contract for heating and cooling the new North Carolina State Legislative Building. Work on the project coincided with the initiation of a decade-long move to broaden operations to include all mechanical trades (plumbing, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, industrial piping, utility, and electrical construction). A few of Bolton’s projects during this period included Martin County Hospital in Williamston, NC; North Carolina Archives & History Building; North Carolina Department of Administration Building; Century Station Post Office Renovations; and the D. Hill Library at NCSU. This diversification promoted a change in the company name to Bolton Corp. in 1970. Throughout the 1970’s Bolton Corp. grew in size and complexity, undertaking projects such as; Rex Hospital, The School of Veterinary Medicine at NCSU, The Radisson Hotel, The Raleigh Civic Center renovation, The One Hanover Square Office, UCB Plaza, and the American Airlines Hub at RDU. At its peak with nearly 500 employees and offices in Raleigh, Asheville, Morehead and Wilmington, William E. Bolton III (Bill) served as President of Bolton Corp. into the early 2000’s. Following the death of William E. the Bolton family business began a transition to split into separate business units among the Bolton Brothers; Mike, Doug, and Bill. In 2002, W.E. Bolton III established W.E. Bolton Construction and Service, LLC in Raleigh. Soon several large projects were awarded to the new company, including projects at North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the Federal Correctional Institute in Butner. In early 2003, the Company added Stainless Steel Fabricators, Inc. and the former Asheville Division of Bolton Corp. to its family. Presently the company has two offices, Bolton Construction and Service of Raleigh, LLC and Bolton Construction and Service of WNC, Inc. This 4th generation family business continues to offer quality construction and service abilities to our residential and commercial clients in heating, air conditioning, plumbing, fabrication, electrical, general contracting, and fire protection services. This growth is only the beginning of the advancements expected in our company.
