Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Commercial Construction Services in Arkansas
East Harding has been a trusted commercial construction partner in Arkansas since 1974. Founded by Bob East and Tom Harding, the company specializes in new construction, renovations, and historic preservation projects across sectors like education, healthcare, hospitality, and corporate office spaces. With a focus on the '3 Ps'People, Process, and Projectthe company emphasizes client-centric service, leveraging over 50 years of combined leadership experience. Their team prioritizes transparency, accountability, and sustainable practices, including LEED-certified projects. East Harding avoids self-performing trades, instead managing competitive subcontractor teams to ensure cost efficiency and quality.Their financial stability, lack of legal disputes, and partnerships with AAA-rated surety providers underscore their reliability. Recognized by the Arkansas Preservation Alliance for historic renovation expertise, they integrate modern technology with traditional craftsmanship. Client testimonials highlight their ability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget while maintaining long-term relationships. Headquartered in Little Rock, they serve clients statewide, driven by a philosophy of 'Client Focused Construction.'
Services
Preconstruction Services
Construction Management
Historic Renovations
LEED Certification
Sustainable Construction
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in Arkansas commercial construction.
- Our team holds LEED-certified project expertise for sustainable builds.
- Specialized in renovating National Register of Historic Places buildings.
- Client-focused approach with no debt, liens, or legal disputes.
- Single Source of Accountability model ensures transparent project management.
Associations and certifications
- USGBC LEED
What people say
Award-winning renovations
Transparent budgeting
Historic preservation expertise
Reliable project timelines
Client-first approach
Services
Preconstruction Services
East Harding's preconstruction services ensure project success through budgeting, design clarification, and cost updates. Their Single Source of Accountability model assigns one estimator/project manager to maintain alignment with client goals. Weekly team meetings and competitive subcontractor bidding guarantee cost efficiency and transparency.
Historic Renovations
Specializing in National Register of Historic Places buildings, East Harding has renovated 24 historic structures. Their expertise balances modern functionality with original architectural integrity, earning multiple Preserve Arkansas awards. Services include facade restoration, adaptive reuse, and code-compliant system upgrades.
LEED Certification
The company has completed 12 USGBC LEED-certified projects, integrating energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials. Their approach reduces long-term operational costs while maintaining high environmental standards. LEED expertise spans from initial design to final commissioning for new builds and retrofits.
Construction Management
As a lean, low-overhead CM/GC, East Harding provides end-to-end project oversight. Their model eliminates departmental silos by assigning one accountable manager for estimating through construction. This ensures cost control, timely delivery, and direct client communication.
Client-Focused Construction
The company's philosophy centers on understanding client-specific needs across sectors. Whether renovating a 135-year-old hotel or building a tech park, they prioritize client goals through transparent documentation, modern technology, and a commitment to exceeding expectations.
People
Van Tilbury
President & CEO
Van Tilbury joined East Harding in 2004 and became majority owner in 2019. With decades of construction leadership, he oversees strategic growth while maintaining hands-on project involvement. His focus on financial stability and client relationships has driven the company's expansion.
Bobby Donaldson
CFO
As CFO, Bobby Donaldson manages East Harding's financial operations. He ensures the company's debt-free status and fiscal transparency, critical to maintaining their AAA-rated surety bonding. His oversight supports competitive subcontractor bidding and cost control.
Shawn Carroll
Senior Vice President of Operations
Shawn Carroll leads daily operations, ensuring project execution aligns with East Harding's 3 Ps philosophy. With extensive field and management experience, he oversees team training, safety protocols, and quality control for statewide projects.
Questions
What construction services does East Harding offer?
We provide preconstruction, construction management, historic renovations, LEED-certified builds, and sustainable construction solutions across Arkansas.
How long has East Harding been in business?
Founded in 1974, East Harding has over 50 years of commercial construction experience in Arkansas.
Do you work outside Arkansas?
We focus exclusively on Arkansas projects to maintain our client-centric approach and local expertise.
Are you LEED-certified?
Yes, we've completed 12 USGBC LEED-certified projects and integrate sustainable practices into all our work.
How do you handle historic building renovations?
We specialize in National Register of Historic Places renovations, balancing code compliance with preservation of original architectural elements.
What sets East Harding apart from competitors?
Our Single Source of Accountability model, financial stability, and focus on Arkansas projects ensure dedicated, transparent service.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Kathy Robinson
Dec 12, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
East Harding Construction will treat you like family. I have known many of the employees for years and highly recommend them for your next project. They build quality buildings and will keep you in budget and on time.
East Harding Construction will treat you like family. I have known many of the employees for years and highly recommend them for your next project. They build quality buildings and will keep you in budget and on time.
Dre Akbad Thornton
Jan 12, 2017
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These guys are responsible for many of the really nice building construction in the Little Rock area. From what I understand, they are highly respected.
