The workers' colony "Karmańskie" (its name comes from the shaft Karl Emanuel) in Ruda Śląska is one of the nicer examples of sponsored building in Upper Silesia. The construction of the colony was initiated by the Ballestrem family in the late 19th century. The Ballestrems had a large mine "Brandenburg" (later "Wawel") and a coke plant to the south of Ruda. Impressive residential buildings for miners and administration staff still stand at Wolności and Raciborska Streets.