our history
Corporate Spaces
Corporate Mills Building
The Corporate Mills building is not just a relic of the past; it represents the city’s journey through industrialization, economic shifts, and community resilience. During a period of rapid industrialization in the United States. Evansville, Indiana, located on the Ohio River, was an ideal location for manufacturing due to its access to transportation and resources. The city was becoming a hub for various industries.
When John W. Gruen made the shift from “cottage” weaver to textile manufacturer in 1865, his company began producing an extensive line of loom products in several buildings at Fourth Street and Bond Street in downtown Evansville. By 1873, the Gruen company merged with the Evansville Woolen Mill, an enterprise started in 1870.
Construction on what is now the Corporate Mills building was finished in 1889, and became a hub for production of wool fabrics and garments, catering to both local and regional markets. A four story brick addition was added in 1905, and one original exterior wall of the 1889 structure is now found in the interior of the present surviving building. The mill played a vital role in providing jobs and supporting the local economy during its peak years.
As the 20th century progressed, the woolen industry faced numerous challenges, including competition from synthetic fabrics and changes in consumer preferences. Many traditional mills struggled to adapt to the evolving market. The Evansville Woolen Mill began to decline, eventually closing its doors.
Charles Leich and Company, forced to relocate after a fire destroyed their downtown pharmaceutical warehouses, purchased the building in 1914 and engaged local architect Harry E. Boyle to remodel it to accommodate the operations. The structure was again rehabilitated to meet and anticipate changing modern standards in the mid 1980s by Bob Leich to capture the charm of the original structure and equip it for the technology of the future.
In 2018, J. Michael “Mike” Small of Corporate Design, Inc. purchased the building and invested in another significant renovation. The Corporate Design team, rich with interior design expertise, was able to bring a new modern aesthetic, making it one of downtown Evansville’s most sought after office spaces.
Today, the Corporate Mills Building stands as a testament to Evansville’s industrial heritage. Its revitalization reflects a broader trend in urban renewal, where historic structures are transformed to meet contemporary needs while preserving their character. The building is now a vibrant office building, and a home to multiple businesses, contributing to the cultural landscape of Evansville. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Corporate Center Building
The Corporate Center Building in Evansville, Indiana, serves as a significant landmark in the city’s business landscape. Evansville Furniture Company was established in 1860, specializing in manufacturing of home casegoods, seating, bedroom, dining room furniture. As a result of competition from mass-production furniture companies and changes in consumer preferences, Evansville Furniture Company ceased manufacturing operations.
In 1919, Universal Furniture Co., was founded by Mr. A.E. Small, Sr. as a wholesale furniture company servicing the states of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. The business was taken over by Mr. A.E. Small, Jr. in the early 1950’s. Upon Mr. Small, Jr.’s decision to retire, his son J. Michael “Mike” Small took over the business. Mike had been directing the contract division for seven years and upon acquiring it in 1980, established Corporate Design, Inc.
In 1985 Corporate Design, Inc. moved into Universal Furniture’s original home, and what is now the Corporate Center Building, The office building was restored to its original 1860’s structure combined with contemporary furnishings to provide a unique office atmosphere. The Corporate Center Building was designed to accommodate a range of office spaces, making it a hub for local and regional businesses. Its modern architecture features large windows and a contemporary design, reflecting the aspirations of a city looking to modernize while preserving its historical roots.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the building hosted various companies, including financial institutions and service providers, becoming an important center for economic activity. The presence of these businesses contributed to the growth of the downtown area, encouraging further development and investment. In the years that followed, the Corporate Center underwent further renovations and upgrades to improve technology and infrastructure, ensuring it remained competitive as a business location.
Today, the Corporate Center stands not only as a functional office building but also as a symbol of Evansville’s commitment to fostering a vibrant business environment. It continues to be a key player in the city’s economic growth, housing a mix of established firms and startups alike.