Winthrop Rockefeller Institute | Exterior Repaint

Our Work at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute

In the summer of 2023, our team took on a project that was as much about preservation as it was about paint. Over the course of three weeks, we refreshed 30,000 square feet of exterior siding at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute (WRI)—a nonprofit retreat and event center perched on Petit Jean Mountain in Morrilton, Arkansas.

This wasn’t just a fresh coat of paint. It was about restoring a campus that plays a unique role in Arkansas’s civic and cultural life.

🏛 So, What Is the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute?

If the word “Institute” makes you think of an academic think tank, you’re not totally wrong—but it’s so much more than that.

The WRI is a retreat center, conference venue, and nonprofit hub, all wrapped into one. With meeting facilities, 83 guest rooms, on-site dining, indoor and outdoor event spaces, and museum-style exhibits, it’s designed for universities, nonprofits, government agencies, and community leaders to gather and do meaningful work.

Groups come here for leadership retreats, policy discussions, development summits, and creative programs. And they don’t just show up—they stay, think deeply, collaborate, and leave with new energy. It’s a place where big ideas and natural beauty meet.

🧱 The Challenge: A Worn-Down Exterior

By the time we arrived on site, the exterior of several buildings had clearly felt the effects of Arkansas weather. Years of wind, rain, and sun had left the siding faded and stained. Rust had started to form on some metal surfaces. The wood siding had dulled, and layers of grime masked the once vibrant colors.

With tens of thousands of square feet of siding—wood and metal alike—the challenge was both in scale and detail. We didn’t just want to make it look better; we wanted it to reflect the integrity and beauty of the work happening inside.

🧽 Prep, Prime, Paint: Our Process

We started with a deep clean—removing dirt, debris, and loose paint to give ourselves a solid foundation. Where we found rust, we treated and sanded to ensure a smooth surface.

From there, priming was essential. Not just for adhesion, but for long-term protection against future wear. Finally, we applied fresh coats of paint—carefully matched to the original colors to preserve WRI’s visual identity while giving it new life.

The transformation was immediate. As each building was completed, the campus felt more alive—more like the place it’s meant to be.

☀️ Working Under the Summer Sun

Painting 30,000 square feet in Arkansas summer heat isn’t for the faint of heart. But our team stayed focused. We took pride in the details—clean lines, even coverage, and consistent quality across a diverse range of materials and elevations.

It wasn’t just about getting the job done. It was about doing it right—with respect for the people who work here, the guests who visit, and the legacy of Winthrop Rockefeller himself.

🌄 Why It Mattered

The WRI campus isn’t just a set of buildings—it’s a backdrop for collaboration, dialogue, and progress. When you repaint a space like this, you’re not just improving curb appeal. You’re helping ensure the space continues to inspire the people who use it.

By the end of the project, the exterior of the Institute reflected the excellence that happens inside. What once looked weathered and forgotten now stood bold, clean, and welcoming—ready to host the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.