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First Financial Bank to purchase Murphy Oil Building; Diversified Construction & Design to purchase current First Financial Bank headquarters.

El Dorado, Ark.,– First Financial Bank has announced their continued commitment to investing in El Dorado with the purchase of the former Murphy Oil Corporation building and the relocation of their corporate headquarters to 300 E. Peach St.

“We are excited to have the unique opportunity to acquire a state-of-the-art building that will resolve current space issues, promote operational efficiencies, and provide a modern, long- term headquarters for future growth,” said Chris Hegi, First Financial Bank CEO.

All administrative and support staff located in First Financial Centre at 214 N. Washington will be relocated to the new building, with the retail branch continuing operations in the current location.

The new building was completed in 2015, housing the Murphy Oil Corporation headquarters until the company’s relocation to Houston, TX, in 2020. The five-story Class A commercial building features a four-story atrium, a 170-person video conference center, exhibit gallery space, and a state-of-the-art data center.

Diversified Construction and Design will purchase the First Financial Bank building to better meet the needs of their growing workforce. In addition to the existing retail bank branch, Diversified plans to lease retail space on the ground floor. Diversified will occupy select floors and plans to lease the remaining office space.

“As our company continues to grow, we are in need of additional office space and look forward to the expansion opportunities that this move will provide. When this opportunity presented itself, we knew it would be a good fit. Our home is El Dorado, and we are committed to investing in our community,” said Blake Williamson, Diversified Construction and Design CEO.

As an iconic landmark in El Dorado and Arkansas, it was important to the FFB leadership team to leave the property in good hands.

“With FFB retaining a presence in the building and Blake’s vision and resources, we are confident the property will thrive going forward,” said Hegi.

FFB purchased the First Financial Centre in 1997 and it has served as the corporate headquarters since that time. The bank has made extensive renovations over the years, most notably the 2017 expansion and restoration of the retail bank branch. The eight-story building was completed in 1927 and was initially known as the Exchange Building. At the time, it was the tallest building in Arkansas and housed the corporate headquarters of Lion Oil Company and the Exchange Bank. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Both transactions are expected to close within the next 60 days.

About First Financial Bank

First Financial Bank currently has 17 retail locations across Arkansas and Mississippi. Through 19 loan production offices across the country FFB is nationally known for its specialty lending divisions focused on mortgage, poultry, pharmacy, veterinarians and farm and ranch. First Financial currently employs 345 people nationwide with assets of approximately $1.5 billion. For more information, visit www.ffb1.com.

About Diversified Construction and Design

Diversified Construction & Design, founded in 2015, is a full-service general contractor and regional provider of Industrial, Commercial, and Residential services. Diversified Construction is comprised of four divisions (Architectural, Civil, Equipment, and Mechanical) that allow our professionals to best utilize their expertise to provide a one-stop- solution. The company specializes in plant expansions, scheduled maintenance, repairs, plant turnarounds, and is licensed and approved in five states. Diversified’s team of skilled craftsmen hold the highest standards in quality and safety, and have established a reputation for quality services executed on time and within budget. Every project, regardless of scale, receives the same attention to detail as the company is committed to exceeding customer expectations from conception through completion.

Media Contacts

Amber Murphy
First Financial Bank
[email protected]
870-881-5222

Quimby Wilson
Diversified Construction and Design
[email protected]
870-862-2550