This guy is painting Dayton’s oldest buildings

Brian Ferguson of Zada Paint Works recently repaint the Southern Belle in downtown Dayton.

Credit: Brian Ferguson

Credit: Brian Ferguson

Brian Ferguson of Zada Paint Works recently repaint the Southern Belle in downtown Dayton.

Brian Ferguson is painting the town... literally.

The owner of Zada Paint Works — a small business named for his mom — specializes in historic buildings.

He recently painted the exterior of the Southern Belle and, before that, the outside of South Park Tavern plus the interior of one of the oldest private homes in downtown Dayton.

>> RELATED: Dayton artist creates her 100th mural for entrance to Oregon District

“There is something about breathing life into the old bone of these buildings that makes me proud,” said Ferguson, a commercial painter for four years. “There is something about these old buildings that makes me happy.”

Brian Ferguson, the owner of Zada Paint Works, said he loves painting some of the city's oldest buildings.

Credit: Brian Ferguson

icon to expand image

Credit: Brian Ferguson

He partnered with The Mural Machine to paint along the railroad bridge spanning Fifth Street behind Smokin’ Bar-B-Que for the mural now being painted.

 

The motorcycle and music festival enthusiast said his mom, Zada Ferguson, met his stepfather, Steve Ferguson, while both were stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

>> Dayton Strong: Cupcake sales go to help mass shooting victims

The family lived in several places, but mostly raised their children in the Dayton area.

Brian Ferguson moved to Minneapolis after graduating Wayne High School, but has been back in Dayton for more than 25 years.

Brian Ferguson, the owner of Zada Paint Works, said he loves painting some of the city's oldest buildings.  His work includes the South Park Tavern building.  This photo was taken before Ferguson applied paint.

Credit: Brian Ferguson

icon to expand image

Credit: Brian Ferguson

“I’ve got roots here because of my love of the city,” he said.

Ferguson started his business a year and a half ago.

Brian Ferguson, the owner of Zada Paint Works, said he loves painting some of the city's oldest buildings.  His work includes the South Park Tavern building.  This photo was taken after Ferguson applied paint.

Credit: Brian Ferguson

icon to expand image

Credit: Brian Ferguson

He said he prefers doing work in downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods.

>> Panera plans new restaurant in former Friendly’s in Beavercreek

Ferguson also is certified to install solar panels.

He was once on track to be a civil engineer through Sinclair Community College, but says life and its hiccups got in the way.

>> 100 reasons everyone should head to the Oregon District

He said he is happy to be working on his own terms and as a skilled laborer.

“I’m proud to have aligned myself with like-minded tradesmen and women who take pride in our crafts,” Ferguson said.

Brian Ferguson, the owner of Zada Paint Works, painted the base coat of the wall at the entrance of the Oregon District. A mural is now being painted on the wall.  This photo was taken before paint was applied.

Credit: Brian Ferguson

icon to expand image

Credit: Brian Ferguson

Brian Ferguson, the owner of Zada Paint Works, painted the base coat of the wall at the entrance of the Oregon District. A mural is now being painted on the wall.  This photo was taken after Ferguson applied paint.

Credit: Brian Ferguson

icon to expand image

Credit: Brian Ferguson

About the Author