Built in 1848, with over 80,000 sq. ft., the Indiana Cotton Mill was one of the largest industrial buildings constructed for its time. During the first year of the Civil War it produced uniforms for both the Union and Confederate Forces. The only naval battle on the Ohio River was fought in front of the mill and a cannonball from that battle was not properly fixed until Charles repaired it. In its prime it was Indiana's largest employer with a workforce of 400 people. In 1993 the property had been abandoned for 50 years. Charles purchased it for $20,000 and it became a U.S. designated National Landmark. Charles spent 2 years renovating and restoring the structural integrity. The State of Indiana purchased the property and spent an additional $5 million to transform it into apartments.