East Harding Inc.

Historic restoration and new construction have provided a strong foundation of business for Little Rock’s East-Harding Inc. The year 2007 marked the completion of several landmark projects, including the renovation of the historic Capital Hotel and building the award-winning 300 Third Tower in downtown Little Rock and Dickey-Stephens Park, the Arkansas Travelers’ new home in downtown North Little Rock.

Last year was a record year as East-Harding recorded revenue of $42 million, a one-year leap of 30 percent. “2007 was a great year for us,” said CEO Bob East. “We have some great people, and we’re looking forward to more good things.”

The company was formed by the 1994 merger of two Little Rock concerns, Robert East Co. and Thomas Harding Construction Co. The firm’s namesake friends were partners during 1978-82. Harding, chief operating officer since the 1994 merger, operated his own general contracting firm from 1983-93. He learned the ropes of the business while working at Little Rock’s Jetco Inc. in 1973-77. East’s career as a general contractor dates back to 1974 when he had trouble finding a lender willing to loan him $500 so he could break even.

Today’s success makes it easier to look back on those early struggles. East is proud of what the company has become and how it has provided a stable livelihood for a staff that now numbers 66. The company’s portfolio of historic projects contains such Little Rock projects as converting the Terminal Building into the Museum Center and work on the Woman’s City Club and the Kramer School.

Samples of the firm’s new construction projects include the Statehouse Convention Center, Jack Stephens First Tee Golf Academy and Arkansas Capital Commerce Center, all in Little Rock. Current projects include the Centers for Youth & Families in Monticello, the Transportation Technology Center at Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock and the Arkansas Studies Institute in downtown Little Rock.

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