File photo The former Jacobs & Meidl music store on 5 N. Minnesota St. is being rehabbed with plans to turn it into a grocery store.

NEW ULM — The former Jacobs & Meidl music store on 5 N. Minnesota St. is being rehabbed with plans to turn it into a grocery store.

Tuesday, the New Ulm Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a $50,000 loan from the Commercial Property Loan Program to Vaharoslee, Inc./ABD, LLC, for the property. The project involves rehab of the electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and flooring, additional bathrooms and possible facade improvements. The total project is estimated at $125,000.

Eric and Aron Bode applied for the loan on behalf of Vaharoslee Inc./ABD, LLC. Eric Bode said the plan is to create a grocery store in the front 1,800 square feet of the building, create studio space in the back, and construct an apartment above.

This plan is still in development. Bode said nothing has been finalized and they are still working with parties to bring a grocery store downtown.

The EDA board approved the replacement of 52 pneumatic thermostats and valves at Broadway Haus. The estimated project cost is $30,000. It will be funded through the 2017 capital fund grant.

Bids for the Garden Terrace lighting project were approved. The project includes converting interior lights in the lobbies, hallways, stairwells, social rooms, libraries, public restrooms, office garages, elevator and exterior lights. The estimated cost is $30,000. Garden Terrace has sufficient cash reserves to pay for the project, and staff will apply for Public Utilities Commission rebates estimated at $4,600.

A landscaping bid for Garden Terrace was awarded to River Creek Nursery for $17,732. The project includes removing and replacing four trees and removing and replacing shrubs and perennials in the retaining wall area near Garden and Oak Streets.