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Our Story

Delivering on commitments for generations

In the late 1870s, Daniel O’Connell established Daniel O’Connell’s Sons—now recognized as DOC—after he was dismissed from his public works job for refusing to fire his crew to cater to political demands. He built a company full of people with good work ethics who subscribe to our unwritten motto: “Fill your shovel or fill your coat”. His grandson, Daniel J. O’Connell, expanded the company’s horizons in the 1970s, delving into real estate and property management. This legacy resonates through The O’Connell Companies, especially through DOC, embodying a history of hard work, integrity, and quality.

Learn more about our history and construction innovations below.

Timeline

Daniel O'Connell and his family
February

The Beginning of DOC

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February

The Beginning of DOC

Daniel O’Connell founds Daniel O’Connell’s Sons—now recognized as DOC. He is shown here with his family.

Daniel O’Connell founds Daniel O’Connell’s Sons—now recognized as DOC. He is shown here with…

Daniel O’Connell founds Daniel O’Connell’s Sons—now recognized as DOC. He is shown here with his family.

Daniel O’Connell founds Daniel O’Connell’s Sons—now recognized as DOC. He is shown here with his family.

1879
A black and white photo capturing our historical heritage with horses and wagons in front of a building.
January

First Company Headquarters

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January

First Company Headquarters

Company headquarters in Holyoke, Massachusetts, shown shortly after its founding in 1879

Company headquarters in Holyoke, Massachusetts, shown shortly after its founding in 1879

Company headquarters in Holyoke, Massachusetts, shown shortly after its founding in 1879

Company headquarters in Holyoke, Massachusetts, shown shortly after its founding in 1879

1880
A historic black and white photo capturing the demolition of a building.
June

Memorial Bridge in Springfield, Massachusetts

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June

Memorial Bridge in Springfield, Massachusetts

An early project incorporates cutting-edge construction technology. This steam shovel, shown working on the approaches to Memorial Bridge, was considered a revolutionary advance in construction machinery in its day.

An early project incorporates cutting-edge construction technology. This steam shovel, shown working on the…

An early project incorporates cutting-edge construction technology. This steam shovel, shown working on the approaches to Memorial Bridge, was considered a revolutionary advance in construction machinery in its day.

An early project incorporates cutting-edge construction technology. This steam shovel, shown working on the approaches to Memorial Bridge, was considered a revolutionary advance in construction machinery in its day.

1921
Old historic black and white photo of men working next to a train yard
July

Memorial Bridge Retaining Wall

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July

Memorial Bridge Retaining Wall

Workers construct a retaining wall in the railroad yard adjacent to the bridge

Workers construct a retaining wall in the railroad yard adjacent to the bridge

Workers construct a retaining wall in the railroad yard adjacent to the bridge

Workers construct a retaining wall in the railroad yard adjacent to the bridge

1921
Old newspaper featuring Daniel O'Connell
March

Farr Alpaca Paper Mill Ad

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March

Farr Alpaca Paper Mill Ad

Many of DOC’s early jobs were at Holyoke’s paper mills which were built to harness Hadley Fall’s water power. Farr Alpaca was one of the big paper companies and DOC had multiple projects for them. A 1923 advertisement, featured in…

Many of DOC’s early jobs were at Holyoke’s paper mills which were built to…

Many of DOC’s early jobs were at Holyoke’s paper mills which were built to harness Hadley Fall’s water power. Farr Alpaca was one of the big paper companies and DOC had multiple projects for…

Many of DOC’s early jobs were at Holyoke’s paper mills which were built to harness Hadley Fall’s water power. Farr Alpaca was one of the big paper companies and DOC had multiple projects for them. A 1923 advertisement, featured in a special edition of Springfield Republican, highlights DOC’s experience.

1923
DOC old logo
July

Daniel O’Connell’s Sons Incorporated

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July

Daniel O’Connell’s Sons Incorporated

Company officially becomes Daniel O’Connell’s Sons, Inc. in Massachusetts. An early logo integrates this designation.

Company officially becomes Daniel O’Connell’s Sons, Inc. in Massachusetts. An early logo integrates this…

Company officially becomes Daniel O’Connell’s Sons, Inc. in Massachusetts. An early logo integrates this designation.

Company officially becomes Daniel O’Connell’s Sons, Inc. in Massachusetts. An early logo integrates this designation.

1926
Daniel OConnell walking down the street
March

Holyoke’s 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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March

Holyoke’s 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Former President and Chairman, Daniel J. O’Connell (grandson of the founder), was selected to be Grand Marshal of Holyoke’s 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1954.

Former President and Chairman, Daniel J. O’Connell (grandson of the founder), was selected to…

Former President and Chairman, Daniel J. O’Connell (grandson of the founder), was selected to be Grand Marshal of Holyoke’s 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1954.

Former President and Chairman, Daniel J. O’Connell (grandson of the founder), was selected to be Grand Marshal of Holyoke’s 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1954.

1954
A black and white photo capturing our history of people working on a construction site.
August

Be Careful Today: Safety from the Start

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August

Be Careful Today: Safety from the Start

Appearing on jobsite signage as early as the 1950s, DOC’s safety motto “Be Careful Today” is often attributed to DOC’s first safety director, L.C. (Bill) Wynns. The sign shown here is from the Our Lady of Hope School site.

Appearing on jobsite signage as early as the 1950s, DOC’s safety motto “Be Careful…

Appearing on jobsite signage as early as the 1950s, DOC’s safety motto “Be Careful Today” is often attributed to DOC’s first safety director, L.C. (Bill) Wynns. The sign shown here is from the Our…

Appearing on jobsite signage as early as the 1950s, DOC’s safety motto “Be Careful Today” is often attributed to DOC’s first safety director, L.C. (Bill) Wynns. The sign shown here is from the Our Lady of Hope School site.

1963
100 year Anniversary holiday card
January

DOC turns 100!

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January

DOC turns 100!

1979 marked the first century of Daniel O’Connell’s Sons. The commemorative holiday card shown was sent to clients and partners to mark the occasion.

1979 marked the first century of Daniel O’Connell’s Sons. The commemorative holiday card shown…

1979 marked the first century of Daniel O’Connell’s Sons. The commemorative holiday card shown was sent to clients and partners to mark the occasion.

1979 marked the first century of Daniel O’Connell’s Sons. The commemorative holiday card shown was sent to clients and partners to mark the occasion.

1979
picture off water with city buildings in the backround
May

Rowes Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts

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May

Rowes Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts

The Rowe’s Wharf project pioneered the use of up/down construction in the United States. This 15-story mixed-use development project was largely built on piles in Boston Harbor and totaled 665,000 square feet.

The Rowe’s Wharf project pioneered the use of up/down construction in the United States.…

The Rowe’s Wharf project pioneered the use of up/down construction in the United States. This 15-story mixed-use development project was largely built on piles in Boston Harbor and totaled 665,000 square feet.

The Rowe’s Wharf project pioneered the use of up/down construction in the United States. This 15-story mixed-use development project was largely built on piles in Boston Harbor and totaled 665,000 square feet.

1987
A historical bridge is under construction.
October

Leverett Connector Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts

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October

Leverett Connector Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts

Part of Boston’s Central Artery “Big Dig” project, the bridge is one of the largest single-cell trapezoidal steel box girder bridges in North America

Part of Boston’s Central Artery “Big Dig” project, the bridge is one of the…

Part of Boston’s Central Artery “Big Dig” project, the bridge is one of the largest single-cell trapezoidal steel box girder bridges in North America

Part of Boston’s Central Artery “Big Dig” project, the bridge is one of the largest single-cell trapezoidal steel box girder bridges in North America

1999
An impressive historical building with a soccer field in the background.
December

MIT Simmons Hall in Cambridge, Massachusetts

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December

MIT Simmons Hall in Cambridge, Massachusetts

One of DOC’s notable projects, featuring an exterior concrete exoskeleton designed to realize Steven Holl’s porous building concept. A tight timeline made standard concrete pouring unviable. Collaborating with the structural engineers, DOC devised Perfcon, a novel hybrid system. It utilized…

One of DOC’s notable projects, featuring an exterior concrete exoskeleton designed to realize Steven…

One of DOC’s notable projects, featuring an exterior concrete exoskeleton designed to realize Steven Holl’s porous building concept. A tight timeline made standard concrete pouring unviable. Collaborating with the structural engineers, DOC devised Perfcon,…

One of DOC’s notable projects, featuring an exterior concrete exoskeleton designed to realize Steven Holl’s porous building concept. A tight timeline made standard concrete pouring unviable. Collaborating with the structural engineers, DOC devised Perfcon, a novel hybrid system. It utilized robust, load-bearing waffle-shaped precast panels for the exterior walls.

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2002
A historic brick building surrounded by lush trees.
September

New Holyoke Headquarters Opens

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September

New Holyoke Headquarters Opens

After over a century in its original location, The O’Connell Companies and DOC open a new state-of-the-art headquarters at 800 Kelly Way in Holyoke.

After over a century in its original location, The O’Connell Companies and DOC open…

After over a century in its original location, The O’Connell Companies and DOC open a new state-of-the-art headquarters at 800 Kelly Way in Holyoke.

After over a century in its original location, The O’Connell Companies and DOC open a new state-of-the-art headquarters at 800 Kelly Way in Holyoke.

2017
DOC logo
September

Proud to be DOC

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September

Proud to be DOC

Daniel O’Connell’s Sons officially becomes DOC introducing a new brand evolution that honors our history and represents our future.

Daniel O’Connell’s Sons officially becomes DOC introducing a new brand evolution that honors our…

Daniel O’Connell’s Sons officially becomes DOC introducing a new brand evolution that honors our history and represents our future.

Daniel O’Connell’s Sons officially becomes DOC introducing a new brand evolution that honors our history and represents our future.

2023

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