Thoughtful design and renovation transformed these two historic downtown buildings in Pine Bluff into vibrant community arts and events spaces.

The spaces include a 70-seat black box theater, five apartments for resident artists, Community gallery, Flexible workshop space, Tinkering makerspace, Wood shop, scene shop & costume shop, Pottery studio & ART Yard.

This project was awarded Preserve Arkansas' award for "Outstanding Achievement in Adaptive Reuse".

The Little Rock Technology Park Authority is a nonprofit governmental unit formed in 2011 to acquire, develop and manage a research technology center in Little Rock. The Tech Park Ph. I is the merger of two buildings: 28,590 sf (417 Main Street); and, 10,020 sf (415 Main Street). The focus of the Park is to provide space for established IT companies, startups, peripheral professional services and a co-working section.

The Tech Park houses more than forty companies and adjoins the 45,750 square foot Five Main Place building (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) that East Harding renovated in 2013.

What began as a kitchen update became a complete renovation and addition for the landmark hotel. The 135-year old building was “taken down to the studs” – every inch of the Hotel was refurbished. The goal of Warren and Harriet Stephens was to bring the Hotel to the top of luxury hotels. No two rooms are alike in the Hotel – walls were moved replacing 120 rooms with 94 more spacious guest rooms, bathrooms and closets. Four rooms were added; 1,100 sf corner suites with reception foyer, powder rooms, dining and living area. New meeting rooms, five state-of-the-art kitchens, new plumbing, heating, HVAC, wireless systems, and more.

The building next door was demolished to add a gated parking area.

The result – and you feel it the instant you walk in the door – a step back in time to “old world elegance” but with all the conveniences and technology of today.

The 13,000 sf Winchester building was built in 1947 and represents the quintessential architectural design of the forties.  Along with its glass block entrance & steel windows, this structure boasts a mezzanine and several store front windows. The renovation of this historical building includes a complete interior demolition and remodel along with restoring the exterior facade and reworking structural components while maintaining historical elements. There is a dumb waiter that has been repaired, relocated & made functional again. East Harding’s expertise with Historic Renovations and budgeting using the VE process has been key to keeping this project within budget.

This historic building is now the new corporate office for Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects.

University of Arkansas selected East Harding Construction for the renovation of the historic 1913 Peabody Hall. Project work included the restoration of the exterior of the building, including the removal of several layers of paint and new windows and doors that replicate the original appearance of the building.

The interior was renovated to provide modern academic and office space to accommodate needs of the College of Education and Health Professions including: six general purpose classrooms, a computer lab, a technology education lab, and a seminar room; 43 faculty offices and departmental administrative offices; and a café. The previously dirt-floored basement was converted to a lobby and loading/unloading area. Building systems, such as HVAC, AV/IT, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection were also updated to modern standards. A new elevator makes the building completely accessible. State-of-the-art teaching equipment was added and all mechanical/plumbing systems were replaced. To maintain the high ceilings, a chilled beam mechanical system was incorporated, reducing the need for in-ceiling duct work.

Key historic interior components, such as the original pine flooring and stamped metal ceiling tiles, were salvaged and reused in the building.