Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has officially begun work to replace the aging brick facade on its central office building. This large-scale project is expected to take approximately one year to complete, ensuring a safer and more efficient exterior for the decades-old structure.
Construction crews are currently working to remove the deteriorating brick facade and replace it with an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) paneling. This modern alternative will enhance insulation, provide better weather protection, and offer a cost-effective solution compared to a full brick replacement. To facilitate the project, scaffolding has been temporarily installed around the building’s perimeter.
Addressing Longstanding Structural Issues
The need for this project became evident after years of monitoring the brick facade and its shelf supports, which were originally constructed in 1966. In 2009, ARDOT addressed structural concerns by replacing a portion of the brick facade above the main entrance after signs of deterioration were discovered. Following this repair, consultants were brought in to evaluate the remainder of the exterior.
Their findings confirmed that the brick facade had reached a critical point where removal and replacement were necessary to maintain the building’s safety.
A Modern Solution for Efficiency and Cost Savings
ARDOT Assistant Chief Engineer of Maintenance, Steve Frisbee, emphasized the benefits of using EIFS panels for the project. “The use of EIFS panels will address the safety issues, provide weather protection for the building, and provide a similar appearance without the higher cost of full brick replacement,” Frisbee stated.
As work progresses, ARDOT remains committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and visitors while upgrading the building with a more durable and cost-efficient exterior.
