Developer Davis named 2021 Springfieldian

Last edited 8:58 p.m., May 7, 2021

Longtime developer and real estate businessperson Warren Davis tonight received the annual Springfieldian Award.

The namesake of Warren Davis Properties LLC, Davis was recognized at the conclusion of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting. The chamber's top recognition, the Springfieldian Award recognizes community service, excellence in the honoree's field and dedication to improving the quality of life in Springfield.

Kim Harrington, his daughter and co-owner of Davis Properties, said in a news release her father's work ethic has been key to his success.

“That determination, that fierce will is what he's all about," she said in the release. "Nothing's going to get him. He's tenacious."

At the event, Davis thanked his family and business associates for the honor.

"I've had a group of good people to work with," he said.

Davis started his property management company in 1994 with the purchase of the Woodruff and McDaniel office buildings in downtown Springfield. According to its website, Davis Properties now has holdings of nearly 3 million square feet in southwest Missouri.

Davis Properties last year was named Developer of the Year by the Springfield Contractors Association for its $22 million investment in the vacant Solo Cup Co. plant on North Glenstone Avenue.

The building now has nine warehousing and manufacturing tenants that collective employ 800 people, according to the chamber release.

Davis also supports numerous nonprofit organizations, serving on The Arc of the Ozarks board and Mercy's Springfield Communities board.

As Springfieldian, he joins past recipients including Med-Pay Inc. founder Gordon Kinne and Hamra Enterprises founder Sam Hamra. Last year, longtime Springfield Underground leader Louis Griesemer received the award.