NEW ULM– The first step in demolishing George’s Ballroom was taken by the New Ulm City Council on Tuesday.

The Council unanimously agreed to begin negotiations with CBC Fisher Group to reach a development agreement on the George’s Ballroom space. The current plans from CBC Fisher Group would see the lot turned into a mixed space for commercial and living usage. City Manager Chris Dalton described the current plans from CBC Fisher Group.

“It will be mixed use development with underground parking and some [above-ground] parking,” he said. “[We’re] looking at about 54 units with a retail component to it. That’s subject to change during the negotiation process but it is a pretty good development. There’ll be some hoops we’ll have to jump through for the state historical side to get to the tearing down part.”

Councilmember Dave Christian asked about a potential timeframe for the project. Dalton said the group wants to get the development done as fast as humanly possible, with an aggressive estimate for the space to be a dirt lot in November.

Dalton said this timeline would rely on sending a mitigation strategy to the state for preserving and salvaging pieces of the ballroom after demolition and having it approved quickly.

“The state right now is looking at a 30 to 45 day turnaround from when we submit our mitigation strategy. [The mitigation strategy is] when they go through the demolition, if there’s anything they can salvage and [their plan for] how they’re going to salvage it. Sixty percent of [the plan] is written right now, there’s just that final piece then we can submit it to the state for approval.”

Councilmember Larry Mack asked about the George’s Ballroom sign. Dalton said it must be salvaged per state requirement and either incorporated into the building’s design or displayed somewhere in the city.

Dave Christian made the motion to approve and Eric Warmka seconded. Council president Andrea Boettger then asked Mayor Kathleen Backer for her thoughts on this project with Backer’s history with the historical society and sitting on the Steering Committee.

“I’m pleased to see the project is moving forward, it’s long overdue,” Backer said. “In sitting in the steering committee and listening to the proposals, it would be a significant addition to the city of New Ulm. The Minnesota Preservation Commission is a part of this and requiring us to go through due diligence as far as salvaging whatever we can historically.[CBC Fisher Group] suggested they would incorporate artifacts into the design if they’re able to salvage them. It’s a win-win for us all the way around.”