Archives: Timeline Stories

O’ROURKE’s Corporate Headquarters

O’ROURKE’s corporate headquarters were constructed and still our present office today.

Carew Tower Project

Carew Tower Project showcased O’ROURKE’s ability to demolish the top 20 stories of the 28 story building.

Changing of the Guard

The 90’s started with Mike’s tenure running the day-to-day operations at O’ROURKE.  To kick off this decade O’ROURKE was the successful bidder on the demolition and implosion of University of Cincinnati’s Sander Hall – a 27-story dormitory.  This was the tallest building to ever be demolished on UC’s Campus and at the time in 1991 the tallest structure to be imploded in North America.  The 90’s was a decade of iconic implosions!

One Final Wish

Our founder, Patrick H. O’Rourke, tragically lost his life to cancer. Pat’s one final wish to Mike and the O’ROURKE Team was to “Keep the Pedal Down.” This theme still continues today!

Mike and his wife Michele with the support from a strong team advanced the business to become one of the nation’s top demolition specialty contractors providing a complete scope of demolition, abatement and environmental services.

State Prison, Jackson, MI

State Prison, Jackson, MI selective demolition and façade preservation was the first project that Mike successfully won as the new President and CEO of O’ROURKE

Implosion of Cuneo Buildings, Chicago, IL

Implosion of Cuneo Buildings, Chicago, IL – these buildings were used during the filming of the movie Backdraft staring Kurt Russell.

Muehlebach Hotel, Kansas City, MO

Implosion of the 17 -story Muehlebach Hotel, Kansas City, MO. This famous hotel was visited by every President from Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan.

Pennsylvania Transportation & Safety Building, Harrisburg, PA Implosion

Pennsylvania Transportation & Safety Building, Harrisburg, PA Implosion

Horseshoe Stadium Renovation

Ohio State University’s iconic Horseshoe Stadium renovation was O’ROURKE’S largest project in company history at the time.  This project was multi phased and involved working around multiple trade contractors during active demolition.

Market Expansion

O’ROURKE’s stellar reputation and safety record allowed us to continue to grow and perform work in all markets including, power plants, manufacturing, automotive, utilities, healthcare, hospitality, retail, entertainment, education, government and many more.