East-Harding Inc.

Downtown Little Rock has become home turf for the general contracting firm of East-Harding Inc. The company has made a name for itself with a portfolio of renovation work and new construction in its hometown.

The 18-story 300 Third condominium tower is among its current high-profile projects, along with historic renovations of the Capital Hotel and Geyer & Adams Building/Budget Office Building.

The company also is building North Little Rock’s Dickey-Stephens Field, the new home of the Arkansas Travelers, in a joint venture with Hensel Phelps Construction Co. of Aurora, Colo.

East-Harding was formed by the 1994 merger of two Little Rock concerns, Robert East Co. and Thomas Harding Construction Co. The companies and namesake friends also joined forces during 1978-82.

Robert East, CEO of the firm, remembers that tough first year when he tried to borrow $500 to break even in 1974. Two banks turned him down before he obtained a loan.

The firm has come a long way since then. The staff has grown to 58, and annual revenue topped $32 million in 2006.

“It’s really satisfying to me to see all the people that make a living out of this company,” East said. “I’m proud of what we’ve built.”

Past Little Rock projects include transforming the Terminal Building into the Museum Center in 1995 along with other National Register of Historic Places projects such as The Woman’s City Club, St. John’s Morris Hall and The Kramer School.

Arkansas Capital Commerce Center, Jack Stephens First Tee Golf Academy and the Statehouse Convention Center addition are among its past construction jobs in Little Rock.

“I’ve always been interested in seeing downtown Little Rock revitalized, and I’m glad we have been a part of it,” East said.