Built of reinforced concrete and spanning the entire block along Kamehameha Avenue, the two-story Hackfeld Building was the most substantial building in downtown Hilo when completed. Its classicizing features include scored first-floor walls, cornice, pedimented parapets, and lion heads. Much of its richly finished interior remains intact, with the open koa stair a major focal point. The window frames, column casings, and paneling are of the same material. The ohia floors were produced by the Pahoa Lumber Mill, which had just obtained a flooring machine. Previously this native hardwood was primarily used for railroad ties. The building served the company in several capacities: as a retail outlet for general merchandise, warehouse, and office for its sugar and insurance agencies. Mr. Koehnen, a former Hackfeld employee, purchased the building in 1957.