The Walsh Story

A thorough approach to pre-construction; experienced, educated field and office professionals; and a commitment to the community are what sets Walsh apart from the competition. This focus began in Portland, Oregon, in 1961, when two young brothers Tom and Bob Walsh started a business. Because they were college students with tight funds, they kept their accounting files in a shoebox and worked out of a ’47 Chevy van. Then, in late 1968, Walsh constructed a 10-unit HUD-subsidized apartment project and over the next five years completed an additional 13 HUD projects with budgets from $100 to $800,000.

To this day, affordable housing forms the heart of Walsh Construction Co.’s business. The brothers Walsh sought out and hired others who shared their values to help them grow the business. As the number of projects and staff increased, the company remained aggressive, selecting projects in the Pacific Northwest, carefully managing risk while at the same time expanding experience and technical capabilities.

It was during the 1980s that Walsh Construction Co. seized an opportunity for three design-build student housing projects for the University of Washington. Tom Walsh headed north to Seattle to set up shop and build a team that would eventually become the Seattle branch of Walsh Construction Co.

As the company has grown, so has the focus on supporting the community. Both in Portland and Seattle, Walsh Construction Co. works with and supports - through time, talent and treasure - non-profit organizations that make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. We’re also dedicated to building responsibly. We not only build green, we’re committed to finding ways to minimize our impact on the planet in every aspect of our business, right down to the coffee we drink every morning.

Today, the company that started out in a Chevy van is now a well-respected general contractor specializing in multi-unit housing, academic buildings, renovation, historic preservation, medical facilities, condominiums and high-end resorts; our broad portfolio of work reaches across all market sectors.