In 1888, William Murphy started a contracting business specializing in commercial alterations and additions in center city Philadelphia. William was joined by his son, Wynne and after World War I ended, Wynne Murphy returned to the business, accompanied by his colleague Robert Quigley. The two eventually assumed joint ownership and management and in the early twenties, they changed the name to Murphy, Quigley Company.
In 1967, Robert Quigley II took the reins and the company began servicing clients nationally. Large housing projects in the northeast and construction management agreements with the United States Postal Service and ITT took them as far west as Omaha, Nebraska and as far south as New Orleans, Louisiana.
In 1978, Thomas Quigley, representing the third generation came on board, followed nine years later by his younger brother William Quigley. Thomas became president in 1991 upon the retirement of Robert II. Two years later William became vice president and the die was cast for the leadership of this venerable Philadelphia institution into the twenty first century.
Under the management of Tom and Bill, creating and maintaining relationships has continued to be the company’s foundation. On time and on budget projects for the region’s most discerning institutions and owners is evidence of administrative excellence and technical expertise at the highest level in the industry.