A $10,000 loan was approved for the Christmas Haus, located at 127 N Minnesota St, as a small business loan. As a member of the EDA, Christmas Haus owner Lindsey Henn abstained from commenting or ruling on the loans approved. After the meeting ended, Henn said the loan will be used as both an opportunity for her business and for New Ulm in the future.

“The Christmas Haus loan will be used to expand my inventory for the St. Paul European Christmas market this year,” she said. “They said my store would be a great fit at the market. It is a big deal not just for the store but also for New Ulm. A Christmas market is something myself and other business owners in New Ulm would like to see. Something authentic and complimentary to our heritage. It would be a great opportunity to gather information on how a market like this works. The St. Paul market is Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays. It starts after Thanksgiving and goes until the weekend before Christmas.”

For loans to be approved, a unanimous approval from all members is required. After a motion by Board member Les Schultz and a second by Board member Michelle Markgraf, the loan was unanimously approved.

Henn also had a second loan in the amount of $11,125 looking to be approved as a Property Rehabilitation Loan. The loan is for the space underneath the Christmas Haus, which used to be Kevin’s Barber Shop. Housing Coordinator Heather Bregel acknowledged a concern regarding the loan in this situation.

Submitted by Chayla Henle: Where folks used to wait to get their hair cut at Kevin’s Barber Shop; they will soon wait to get their coffee and lunch at Coffee Keller. The cafe is looking to open in November.

“She has purchased this property contract-for-deed and the city attorney [Robert Scott] was questioning if we’ve ever done a loan with a contract-for-deed before. The answer is yes, we have. We did a multi-family loan to a party who had bought a property contract-for-deed. The owners that entered into the contract for deed also have to sign off they’re agreeing to have a loan on the property.”

Scott said it would be best to follow this policy, as Henn had received permission from the owners to put a loan on the property. With this concern relieved, Markgraf made the motion to approve and Board member Char Kalk seconded. The loan received the necessary unanimous approval. This loan will go towards renovation costs, as a new business is entering the space.

“It is being transformed into a coffee shop,” Henn said. “It will also offer some healthy grab and go lunch options that are quick and convenient. It will be called the Coffee Keller and run by Chayla Henle. She will be entering the space and is hoping to open in November. It will bring a fun space and new life to downtown.”

The business is currently deep in the renovation process. Henle said the coffee bar will go where the mirrors and barbers chairs were, and seating will be placed in the waiting area space. For those who cannot walk down the stairs, items will be walked up the stairs to them.