The history of the Cahill line of construction companies begins with John R. Cahill, born in Oakland in 1884 to an Irish immigrant father and Austrian mother. John R. Cahill graduated in civil engineering from the University of California in 1905 and was immediately awarded a prestigious scholarship with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Inspired by the need to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake, he changed paths and worked first for an architecture and engineering firm, then for an engineering contractor. In 1911, he became a self-employed engineer and contractor, initially focusing on work related to the mining industry including stamp mills, lead frames and bunkers throughout northern California and further afield. In 1915 JR’s brother Edward – also an engineering graduate from UC - joined JR to supervise construction work at a mine in British Columbia. The co-partnership was formalized in 1916. Gradually the focus of work moved from mining and industrial plant to commercial and large residential buildings. Cahill Brothers became incorporated in 1923 while the Huntington Hotel – built and partially owned by the Cahill brothers - rose from its foundations.

In the late thirties, and at the end of World War II, the four sons of John R. Cahill (John E. Cahill, Richard F. Cahill, Robert W. Cahill and J. Peter Cahill) joined the firm in various capacities, eventually resulting in a new firm, Cahill Construction Co., Inc. which was formed in 1946. The two firms existed side-by-side under the leadership of the Chairman of the Board, John R. Cahill, until, following Edward’s death, Cahill Brothers, Inc. was dissolved in 1964.

Cahill Construction Co. Inc. built hundreds of projects in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond during the period from 1946 to 1983, with roughly half of these for repeat clients – a testament to the quality construction and strong relationships that were forged. JR continued to be active in the family business until his death in 1987 at age 102.

John R. Cahill and his four sons received the San Francisco Building Industry Conference Board "Construction Award of the Year" for 1958 (pictured). In 1987 the Building Industry Conference Board declared a special posthumous honor award to John R. Cahill.

In the late 1960’s another generation of Cahills began their construction careers. After working for Cahill Construction for several years, Jay Cahill (son of John E. Cahill) started Cahill Contractors, Inc. in 1974 with his brother Jerry and their cousin Bill Cahill. Together they continued to focus on large commercial, civic, hospitality (hotel), parking, and residential buildings, and were very much part of the creation of San Francisco’s skyline. As of the early 1980’s more than a quarter of the City’s high-rises were built by Cahill.

Today, Jay Cahill continues as Chairman and CEO of Cahill Contractors, Inc. Charles L. Palley (President) and Charles J. Lochtefeld (Vice-Chairman) - who joined Cahill Contractors in the mid 1980’s - currently lead Cahill Contractor's senior management team. In 2007, fourth-generation Kathryn Cahill began working in the project management ranks, looking to continue the proud family history.

The history of Cahill Contractors is not just about the family of John R. Cahill though. Several of our leading field employees are second and third generation Cahill workers. Many others have devoted almost their entire working lives to Cahill. As a company we are indebted to their service and loyalty in fostering Cahill’s reputation of quality, integrity, and family trust.