Project Solutions: Hamanaka Painting on the challenges and rewards of working on the high-profile Carson Block Building repaint in the Old Town Historic District of Eureka, California.
Built in 1892 by the lumber magnate William Carson, the Carson Block Building was the first major commercial property in Eureka, California, the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. Following a major restoration in 2016, the North Coast Journal newspaper dubbed it “the grand ruby in Eureka’s Old Town crown.” A recent repaint with Emerald® Rain Refresh™ Exterior Acrylic Latex with Self-Cleaning Technology™ ensures the building will look great for years to come.
“It was an honor to be asked to work on a project of this magnitude and historical significance,” says Glenn Hamanaka, owner of Hamanaka Painting, which won the bid. “I feel fortunate that we were selected for this job, which is a testament to our reputation and dedication to quality.” We sat down with Glenn to learn more about the challenges and rewards of this job.
Could you give us some background about the Carson Block job and how you were selected to do the repaint?
I received a call from Nick and Tony Lucchesi of Pacific Builders, a company based in Arcata, California, with whom we’ve had a working relationship for over 25 years. They had a client, the North Coast Indian Development Council (NCIDC) in Eureka, California, focusing on supporting local indigenous communities with jobs, financial assistance, and resources.
NCIDC hired Pacific Builders to address issues with their aging building, which they had remodeled 10 years earlier. Greg Gehr, who was nearing retirement, wanted to leave the building in excellent condition and decided it needed a fresh coat of paint. At the time, we were extremely busy with estimates and ongoing projects, and I was also planning a vacation. Despite the tight schedule, I received a call from Lonyx Landry, a board member I grew up with, urging me to bid on the project due to our extensive experience with downtown Eureka buildings. Over the years, we’ve completed over 30 projects in that area, and our reputation for quality work made us a preferred choice.
Though the job was complex and time-consuming to bid on, our longstanding relationships and expertise in similar projects made us the ideal candidate. We were selected to handle the repaint, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and community engagement.
You chose Emerald Rain Refresh for this job. Was it a product you had used before?
This was our first time using Emerald Rain Refresh, although we’ve had extensive experience with Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald paint line. Our painters frequently discuss the quality of Emerald paints, and we’ve consistently found them superior in terms of coverage and durability.
Several years ago, our Sherwin-Williams representative, Tairi Longoria, explained the high-quality formulation of their Emerald brand. She described how the pigments in Emerald paints are ground exceptionally fine, improving their ability to reflect ultraviolet light and enhancing the paint’s overall durability. The finely ground pigments, combined with high-quality binders and ingredients such as titanium dioxide and acrylic resins, contribute to a more resilient and long-lasting finish.
In addition to our past success with Emerald paint, we had previously used a solid color stain from the Rain Refresh line. We were impressed by its self-cleaning properties, which effectively washed away dirt and dust, maintaining a fresh appearance. This experience influenced our decision to use Emerald Rain Refresh for the Carson Block job.
The original specifications for the building’s remodel, done 10 years ago, included Sherwin-Williams A-100 Exterior Acrylic Latex. This product had performed well over time, withstanding the elements and maintaining its dark color. Considering this history, we opted for Sherwin-Williams’ highest quality product, Emerald Rain Refresh, expecting it to offer even greater longevity and performance.
Another factor in our decision was the building’s proximity to a highway, which exposes it to diesel particulate matter. This type of pollution tends to adhere to surfaces, accelerating paint deterioration. Emerald Rain Refresh’s self-cleaning technology promised to mitigate this issue by washing away contaminants with rain, an essential consideration given Eureka’s frequent rainfall and the wind-driven rain the building faces on its south side.
I’m excited to see how Emerald Rain Refresh performs over the next several years, and I’m confident it will meet our high expectations for durability and maintenance.
Were there specific qualities that you and your crew especially liked about Emerald Rain Refresh?
One of the standout features was its fast drying time. Fast-drying paint allows painters to review their work quickly, checking for issues like brush marks, uneven coverage, or areas applied too thickly or thinly. This immediate feedback helps ensure a more consistent and high-quality finish.
We ensured that on a project like this, we had our most experienced painters in critical areas. Employees like Phil Jackson, who has been with us for 26 years, and Nick Remen, who has been with us for 18 years, along with several others who have been with us for eight to 10 years, were pivotal. There are too many dedicated team members to mention, but their expertise and commitment were crucial to the project’s success.
The crew also praised the excellent coverage of Emerald Rain Refresh. One experienced painter noted that when he dipped his roller, it seemed like there wasn’t enough paint on it, but once he started rolling, the paint extended much further than expected. This efficiency meant less frequent reloading and a smoother, more continuous application process.
The finished job has a remarkable glow, especially noticeable in the late afternoon light. This unique sheen sets the Carson Block building apart from its surroundings, giving it a vibrant, almost bulletproof appearance. The paint’s superior coverage and durability have left a lasting impression, making it a product we’ll likely use again.
What kind of surface prep was needed?
The Carson Block job, located at the bustling corner of Third and F Street in Eureka, required meticulous preparation due to its prominence in the city. This area is a central hub for Eureka, especially during city events and fireworks displays, making it essential for the building to look its best.
We began by thoroughly cleaning the building. The entire structure was washed as meticulously as one would wash a car, using soft to medium bristle brushes to ensure a deep clean without damaging the surface. After this initial cleaning, we rinsed the building twice to remove all residues. All wastewater was collected, filtered, and disposed of within the sewer system through methods we’ve used for over 20 years.
Our team divided the building in half, ensuring that no longer than two weeks elapsed between power washing and painting. This approach prevented any new contaminants from settling on the freshly cleaned surfaces. We then scraped and stripped any areas with failing paint and spot-primed these sections using Rust-Oleum Peel Bond. Approximately five to eight percent of the building required spot priming.
Our experienced painters prepared the building with incredible attention to detail, using a fine-tooth comb approach. Pedestrians often stopped to remark on the meticulous care our painters were taking, which underscored our commitment to quality and thoroughness.
Any other special challenges?
The most significant challenge was managing pedestrian and traffic control. Given the building’s location at the heart of Eureka and the tight quarters, we had to close off the street to one-way traffic. We utilized walk-through scaffolding to protect pedestrians, ensuring their safety as they moved around the site. Keeping people from walking underneath us while we worked and dealing with the building’s height added to the complexity.
The building’s height, coupled with its location in a small city, presented unique challenges. Eureka hosts a Friday night market every week starting at 3 p.m., which means we had to completely clean up and pack away our equipment every Friday, making it appear as if we were never there. This added a significant amount of extra work and required meticulous planning.
Administrative coordination was another major challenge. We needed to keep all the tenants and employees informed about our progress and any disruptions. To achieve this, we updated our website every three or four days with detailed descriptions of our activities. These updates had to be flexible enough to accommodate changes in the schedule without causing confusion.
Working on a project of this size, especially one over 60 feet tall, posed safety concerns not just for our employees but also for the public. While we felt confident in managing our team’s safety, the primary challenge was ensuring the public remained safe around our work area.
Another unique challenge was ensuring the windows did not get painted shut. We had to coordinate with the customers, employees, and tenants to keep the windows open and closed at appropriate times, preventing them from swelling shut due to paint.
How many crew members were involved, and how long did the job take?
The crew for the Carson Block job consisted of between six and eight employees at any given time. The project took approximately two months to complete. Given the complexity and size of the building, this time frame allowed us to ensure that every detail was attended to meticulously. Our experienced team worked diligently to maintain the highest quality and safety standards throughout the project, which was critical given the building’s prominent location and the numerous logistical challenges we faced.
What role did Sherwin-Williams play in the success of this job? Any instances of when they really went above and beyond to serve you and your customer?
Tairi Longoria, my paint representative from Sherwin-Williams, played a crucial role in the success of the Carson Block project. She ensured that we had a steady supply of paint on time, provided drawdowns, and generally made it seamless to get the necessary materials.
There was a particular instance when we had to switch sheen levels after the paint had already been ordered. Tairi and her team went above and beyond by coordinating with another customer who had a similar order but only needed it after a while. They reallocated that paint to us and then restocked the other customer’s supply, ensuring neither experienced any delays. This last-minute adjustment demonstrated their commitment to our project’s success and exemplified their excellent customer service.
What would you say is the greatest benefit and reward in being involved in the repaint of such a historical building in the city of Eureka?
Living in Eureka and actively involved in the community, I derive immense satisfaction from contributing to the city’s historical preservation. Over the past 35 years, I’ve painted numerous buildings around town, each with its own story and set of challenges. Driving around town, visiting local stores, and attending events allows me to see and appreciate the work we’ve done.
Each building we’ve painted holds memories of challenges overcome and successes celebrated. These projects have taught me not to fear large-scale jobs and have equipped me with specialized tools and skills. For instance, there’s an area at First and F Street where I can span 180 degrees and see multiple buildings that we’ve painted. Each building reminds me of the specific crew members, the time it took, and the unique aspects of the job.
One of the most rewarding aspects is the lasting impact of our work. It’s common for people to stop me on the street to compliment a job we did 20 years ago. This happens weekly and boosts our morale. My painters receive similar recognition, which fosters a sense of pride within our team.
Additionally, we’ve built a reputation for restoring historical buildings, a skill recognized by the historical society. Painting the historical society’s structure, owned by a well-known local, Bill Barnum, was a significant honor. These projects instill a sense of responsibility in me, almost like being the maintenance guardian for downtown Eureka.
©2025 Fusable. Glenn Hamanaka was interviewed by PPC/Pintor Pro Editor Mike Starling. Photography courtesy Hamanaka Painting.
