Howard spent 25 years in the cleaning supply manufacturing and distribution business before selling his company in 1992. Not content with merely selling his company, Howard decided to give a second life to the three story Hamilton Building at 5340 Hamilton Avenue that treated him so well during his quarter century in the cleaning supply industry.

Starting one story and wall at a time he was able to create multiple units out of the approximately 9,000 square foot floors.  Eventually by 2007 The Hamilton Building was turned from a three story heavy industrial building in to a three story, twenty unit, nineteen of which are currently leased, to a community of entrepreneurs and artists.  The average size of a unit at The Hamilton Building is approximately 1,500 square feet with some units as big as 4,000 square feet and as small as 500 square feet.  The majority of the studios in The Hamilton Building are set up with a full bathroom and in most instances a kitchen or kitchenette.  Unlike many old industrial buildings, each studio at The Hamilton Building has its on separate utilities.  This aspect is appealing to people whose appetite for heat or air conditioning may differ.

The Hamilton Building is home to a variety of tenants including artists, woodworkers, light manufacturing and an embroidery company just to name a few.  The high unfinished ceilings, a characteristic of industrial buildings which the owner has wisely chosen to embrace, provide a fantastic working atmosphere for artists and crafts people as well as an ample amount of natural light.  The stellar building is a direct result of the pride that the owner takes in his building.  The Hamilton Building is a shining example of how old industrial buildings can be turned into a valuable community resource.