Chuck Murphy
What began as an ambitious quest to follow the family profession in jurisprudence, concluded in a long and generous romance with buildings and the people and history which shape them.
After graduating from Denver's Regis College, Chuck Murphy moved to Chicago where he began and ended law school. It wasn't too long before Chuck knew his heart and destiny were in another vocation. He soon began a career in construction and urban renewal and in 1960, returned home to Colorado Springs to establish Murphy & Company.
After 50+ years in the construction business, Chuck can tell you a few stories about the people and history which make up the Pikes Peak area. His construction company, now known as Murphy Constructors of Colorado Springs, has gained wide recognition as a high quality, honest and personable contracting company specializing in new construction, renovation and tenant finish. Murphy Constructors is best known for its expertise in the restoration and renovation of 19th and early 20th century buildings.
When other contractors walked away from historic projects because cost and labor far exceeded commercial value, Murphy Constructors stepped in to save many priceless treasures. For example, The Barker House, The Cliff House, The Manitou Springs Spa Building, The Cheyenne Building all thrive today due to the personal dedication and care demonstrated by Chuck Murphy. Where others claimed such projects unfeasible, Chuck restored these architectural treasures with the skill and patience of a true artisan.
With the same attention, Chuck has mastered an in-depth knowledge of the Pikes Peak Region's growth and history. If you have a question about any building, any area or any fact pertaining to this region, Chuck can provide almost every detail. He is frequently asked to speak on such historic subjects, including the life and times of Julie and Spencer Penrose who used much of their wealth from the gold mining industry to establish the early culture of the Springs.
Chuck also has purchased several businesses throughout the years including, The Garden of the Gods Campground which he and his wife Mary Lou owned and operated for 37 years. In addition, he owns Gray Line Tours of Colorado Springs and Denver which is managed by his oldest son. Brookside Assisted Living is another example of his dedication to nurturing his beloved community.
Chuck is an accomplished nature photographer with several exhibitions to his credit and recommends this work as required therapy to refresh his spirit.
Chuck is a native of Colorado Springs and is a generous and long-time supporter of the arts in the Pikes Peak Region. He has graciously given his time, expertise, passion and financial support to: The Fine Arts Center, The Business of Arts Center, The Manitou Springs Arts Council, The Pioneer Museum, The Downtown TILE Project, Smokebrush, Cottonwood Artists School, Art on the Streets, and Concrete Couch.
Chuck has always been a very active member of the community and has served on the boards of: Pikes Peak Hospice, Pikes Peak Mental Health, Silver Key, ComCor, The Pioneer Museum, The Fine Arts Center, Goodwill, Regis University Board of Regents, The Downtown Business Improvement District, The Julie Penrose Center, Pikes Peak Highway Advisory Board, The Downtown Partnership, The Colorado Springs Planning Department and The Historic Preservation Alliance.
Chuck and his wife, Mary Lou, who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, have five children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Chuck and Mary Lou particularly enjoy traveling, when time permits and delight in seeing their grandchildren and great-grandchildren as often as possible. Mary Lou sums it up eloquently - "grandchildren are the dessert of life."