OUR STORY
Shaping skylines for
80 years
Tarlton has been family-led since 1946, when Arthur Elsperman and his partners acquired G.L. Tarlton Contractor, Inc., establishing a foundation built on integrity, craftsmanship, and long-term relationships. That legacy continued in 1972 as Robert Elsperman became president, and again in 1999 with the third generation, as Tracy Elsperman Hart stepped into the role of president and Dirk Elsperman became executive vice president and COO. Their leadership has evolved to Tracy serving as Executive Chair and CEO, while Dirk is EVP and CAO, continuing a legacy of steady leadership while positioning Tarlton for the future.
Building since 1946
We’re an award-winning, WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, ranked among ENR’s Top 400 Contractors and recognized for our community service and contributions to the region’s landscape.
A Legacy in the Making
1940s
Post-War Foundations
Secured our first ever contract with the Mississippi River Pipeline, servicing trains. Post-war surplus of construction equipment also marked the start of our long-lasting relationships with Ameren, Anheuser-Busch and others.
1950s
Hospital and Academic Growth
Built suburban gas stations, Wohl and Renard Hospitals, SLU’s Pope Pius XII Library and the Jewish Hospital Steinberg Addition. Art Elsperman became the first AGC chairman from St. Louis, reflecting our leadership in the field.
1960s
Architectural Innovation and Urban Development
Pioneered architectural concrete in St. Louis at Pet Inc. headquarters and the first tower crane for Steinberg Hall at Washington University in St. Louis. Other local work included Brown Shoe Co. headquarters, Bissell Point Primary Water Treatment Facility and Busch Stadium West Parking Garage.
1970s
Corporate Expansion and Design-Build Innovation
Solidified our values: safety, quality, integrity and enthusiasm. Pioneered design-build at the former McDonnell-Douglas’ Harpoon missile facility and built Washington University’s Mudd Law building, Monsanto Queeny renovations, Southwestern Bell and Kiel Parking Garage.
1980s
Downtown Revitalization and Major Infrastructure
Began to revive downtown St. Louis by shaping St. Louis Centre, Laclede’s Landing and significant Anheuser-Busch projects. We also delivered St. Anthony’s Medical Center and renovated the Robert A. Young Federal Building.
1990s
Suburban Growth and Institutional Projects
Grew community investments by adding to the St. Louis County Library headquarters and building Famous-Barr at Jamestown Mall, Novus R&D and Lincoln University Library.
2000s
Green Building Leadership and Cultural Institutions
Led sustainable building by completing Washington University’s Earth & Planetary Sciences — the city’s first LEED project — and our own headquarters as a LEED Silver building. We also completed projects for the Contemporary Art Museum, the MetroLink Expansion, The Muny and the Saint Louis Zoo.
2010s
Healthcare, Innovation and Historic Preservation
Deepened our institutional and cultural impact by delivering work for the National Personnel Records Center, the Saint Louis Art Museum expansion, Nordstrom stores, Barnes-Jewish, Cortex, Missouri Botanical Garden, The Euclid, Saint Louis Science Center OMNIMAX, The Muny and more. We also acquired Waterhout Construction Company.
2020s
Resilience and Continued Growth
Completed historic renovations at 900 N. Tucker Blvd. as well as at The Old Courthouse and continue to grow our regional footprint and expansion plans.
