The D. J. Murphy house is architecturally significant as one of the few remaining links with a well-known Victorian building style, the Italianate. There are only five others in Livermore [in 1978 when the property was nominated for the NRHP] whose architectural elements have not been almost completely defaced with removal of the brackets and window hoods which distinguish this style, or with the addition of non-original sheathing such as asbestos shingle or stucco.

The D. J. Murphy House was altered by the addition of a California Bungalow style porch on the front and right side, probably about the time of World War I.

The house was built in the city's Northern Addition and moved to the present site in May, 1891. It was the residence of Daniel J. Murphy from 1891 until his death in 1921. Murphy was a prominent Livermore businessman, local government official and Alameda County Supervisor from 1911 until 1921.

Source: Adapted from the NRHP nomination.