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Shirley Construction has been continuously owned and operated by the company’s namesake for nearly 90 years.

Four Generations Strong

With the formation of Robertson-Shirley Lumber in 1929, the Shirley family’s commitment to quality and service began. In 1937 Samuel Shirley left the lumberyard and formed Samuel J. Shirley Construction. Ten years later Sam’s son, Reece, joined the organization and the company became SJ Shirley and Son Construction. The company also began focusing on commercial construction.

Reece’s son, Barry joined the company in 1978. Shortly after, Reece’s son-in-law, Dan Elwell, joined the organization. The fourth generation was added to the family business in 2001 when Samuel Shirley’s great grandson, Aaron Elwell began working for Shirley.

TIMELINE

 
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1929

Robertson-Shirley Lumber Co. opens at 340 East 15th Street

 

 
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1934

Robertson-Shirley Lumber begins building homes

 

 
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1937

Sam Shirley separates and forms Samuel J Shirley Construction


 
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October 1937

Samuel J Shirley Construction completes their first home at 2812 SW Huntoon across from Collins Park. The first of many homes they built in Collins Park


 
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1956

Reece Shirley starts, becomes SJ Shirley & Son Construction Co. Focus shifts from residential to commercial construction


 
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1959

First major school project: Sunny Elevation Grade School


 
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1960

Completed Children’s Party House at Gage Park which is still home to kids' birthday parties every day


 
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1965

First office location in the basement of a dentist's office at 1709 ½ Randolph


 
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1967

Shirley Construction Co. awarded the American Institute of Architect’s Annual Merit award for the construction of Horst, Terrill & Karst Architect’s office building. This was the beginning of many building projects for Topeka construction industry partners


 
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1975

Reece Shirley serves as the President of the Topeka Home Builder’s Association


 
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1978

Office moves to 828 N Buchanan


 
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1978

Barry Shirley Joins


 
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1979

Dan Elwell joins


 
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1979

Shirley Construction Co.’s largest job to date, Brewster Place apartments, is completed


 
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1986

Shirley Construction completes Capital City Bank at 3710 SW Topeka Blvd, our largest project at that time


 
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1988

Office moved to current location: 2139 SW Westport Drive


 
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1989

Built Carousel in Gage Park


 
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1993

Shirley Construction Co. completes restoration work of the Frank Carlson Federal building following the bombing and gunfire attack


 
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2001

Aaron Elwell Joins


 
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Present

Four Generations strong