Archives: Timeline Stories

No posts to display

The Beginning

February 3, 2022 3:58 pm Comments Off on The Beginning

 

In 1962, Patrick H. O’Rourke laid the foundation for what would become O’Rourke Wrecking Company. At the age of 20, Pat started his own business excavating basements and foundations for home builders in Cincinnati. Word quickly spread about the quality service and integrity with which Pat conducted business. He capitalized on the opportunity to grow the company as Cincinnati experienced an urban renewal during the 1960’s.

Expanded Scope of Services

3:57 pm Comments Off on Expanded Scope of Services

 

Throughout the late 60’s Pat expanded the scope of services offered to include demolition, underground utility construction, as well as commercial and residential development.

Major Growth

3:56 pm Comments Off on Major Growth

 

Throughout the 70’s Pat started making a name for O’ROURKE in the demolition sector. He became known for doing outstanding work with integrity.  His jobsites were left extremely clean and never a need for a punch list.  In 1973 O’ROURKE moved into its first formal office and maintenance shop on 4333 Mayhew in Delhi Township.

Ohio State University’s University Hall

February 2, 2022 9:49 pm Comments Off on Ohio State University’s University Hall

 

Ohio State University’s University Hall built in 1873 was razed by O’ROURKE.  This was one of the original buildings on OSU’s campus and in today’s environment would have never been torn down but preserved.

Southern Ohio Bank Building

9:48 pm Comments Off on Southern Ohio Bank Building

Southern Ohio Bank Building and the entire block located at 6^th & Main were cleared by O’ROURKE to make way for the Atrium I & II Buildings that stand there today.

The First Stadium Demolition

9:47 pm Comments Off on The First Stadium Demolition

O’ROURKE received the demolition contract for University of KY’s McClean Stadium.  This was the first of many stadiums O’ROURKE would demolish.

ACE Carton Factory, Hershy, PA was O’ROURKE’S very first implosion.

9:45 pm Comments Off on ACE Carton Factory, Hershy, PA was O’ROURKE’S very first implosion.

 

ACE Carton Factory, Hershy, PA was O’ROURKE’S very first implosion.

Making Our Mark

9:45 pm Comments Off on Making Our Mark

O’ROURKE continued to expand and perform high-profile demolition projects.  During this decade Pat also developed Watertown Town Marina, an FBO at Lunken Airport called Million Air, and many sub-divisions throughout Greater Cincinnati.  He also built many commercial structures including Millrace Lodge, The Vineyards Clubhouse, Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center and many more.

Neil House Hotel, Columbus, OH

9:44 pm Comments Off on Neil House Hotel, Columbus, OH

 

The 14 Story Neil House Hotel, Columbus, OH put O’ROURKE on the map for being experts in high-rise demolition

Mike O’Rourke joined the firm full time

9:43 pm Comments Off on Mike O’Rourke joined the firm full time

Mike O’Rourke joined the firm full time. Having worked in the field since an early age, Mike had fulfilled his dream to join his father and grow a family business.