Kennard-Pace • Since 1889

Our History

A local tradition built on skilled work, trusted relationships, and more than a century of serving Roanoke.

A Legacy That Started in 1889

Kennard-Pace traces its roots to a small shop opened by Kennard and Powell at 207 First Street SW in 1889. Over the decades, the business moved, grew, welcomed new generations of craftsmen, and became a longstanding part of Roanoke's heating, plumbing and electrical history.

A Timeline of Service

From 1889 to Today

1889

The First Shop

Kennard and Powell opened their shop at 207 First Street SW.

1893

Andy Kennard Opens His Own Shop

Andy Kennard opened his shop at 106 W. Campbell Avenue.

1902

A New Location on Campbell Avenue

Andy Kennard moved the shop to 132 W. Campbell Avenue. That same year, an old building at 129 W. Kirk Avenue was purchased, and Raymond Pace came to work with Mr. Kennard.

1903

The A. J. Kennard Building

The A. J. Kennard building was constructed on W. Campbell Avenue.

1905

Joseph L. Pace Joins the Firm

Joseph L. Pace came to work as a bookkeeper, adding another generation of the Pace family to the business.

1914

129 W. Kirk Avenue Becomes Home

The firm moved to 129 W. Kirk Avenue. The building would remain closely associated with Kennard-Pace for generations.

1957

A New Generation Carries It Forward

Raymond Pace retired while Joseph Pace was still working. H. J. Sarver, one of the firm's oldest employees, was serving as president.

Today

Still Here to Serve Roanoke

More than a century after the first shop opened, Kennard-Pace continues serving local customers with heating, plumbing and electrical needs.

Historic Kennard-Pace building and 1975 newspaper article
The World-News, Roanoke, Monday, December 1, 1975 — “Kennard-Pace firm survives host of early-day plumbers.”
A Piece of Roanoke History

129 West Kirk Avenue

The historic building on West Kirk Avenue had been home to the firm since 1914. In 1975, the Roanoke World-News featured Kennard-Pace in a story recognizing the company's ability to endure while many early-day plumbing firms had disappeared.

The story is a snapshot of a business rooted in local relationships and skilled trades — values that continue to define the company today.

1889 → Today
A history measured not only in years, but in generations of service to the Roanoke community.
Still Serving Roanoke

Small Team. Big Care. No Middlemen.

Our history is built on showing up, doing the work right, and taking care of our customers. That tradition continues with heating, plumbing and electrical service today.

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