John R. Cahill, Builder of Noted Landmarks in Bay Area, Dies at 102
John R. Cahill, founder of the construction firm that built such San Francisco landmarks as St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, has died at age 102.
He died on Monday at Children’s Hospital in San Francisco from complications of old age.
Other structures erected by his Cahill Construction Co. included the Huntington and Hilton hotels, St. Francis Hospital, Opera Plaza, Fox Plaza and the Bank of California.
Cahill, a civil engineer, started the company in 1915 and was later joined by his brother, Edward, who died in 1961. His four sons also entered the business.
Two of his company’s early projects, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the John Hancock office building, were given awards of excellence by the American Institute of Architects.
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