Submitted architectural rendering An architectural rendering of a residential redevelopment project planned at the former George’s Ballroom property at Center and German Street includes a 104-unit apartment building pictured from a northeast view.

NEW ULM — Gravel, cement chunks and sediment filter socks line the corner of Center and German Street where the majestic Art Deco George’s Ballroom stood before it was demolished last fall.

Pieces of the past appear to be on the horizon.

Last December, the ballroom was demolished. A number of people watched from German Street, reminiscing about going to polka dances, later rock and roll decades ago as a frigid wind blew.

Memories included Brownton native Wally Pikal known for playing multiple trumpets simultaneously while jumping on a pogo stick.

An excavator with a big scoop shovel made crunching, crashing sounds as it picked up piles of concrete and wood. Large dump trucks hauled away debris after mists of water were added to reduce dust.

Coldwell Banker Commercial (CBC) Fisher Group Managing Director Dain Fisher of Mankato released architectural renderings of a black, white and pale red 104-unit Art Deco apartment building planned for the site.

The big red vertical George’s sign is on the Center Street side of the building in the rendering, as it was decades ago.

Last spring, the Fisher Group sought public input and learned George’s sign was the top ballroom feature people wanted saved. A back wall behind the main featuring the signatures of every artist who played at George’s was second. Fisher said plans were to digitally recreate it and incorporate it in the new building.

“I think we are in the final design stages,” Fisher said. “We believe the market can support 104 units. We plan to offer investor opportunities in a few weeks. We’d like to offer it to New Ulm investment groups before we take it out to the market,” said Fisher.

Last May he estimated the project would cost $20 million.

“We don’t have bids back yet, but the cost is $22 to $23 million at this point,” Fisher said.

He said CBC will invest more than $1 million in the project to get construction started.

“We’ll fill in any gaps with investor groups. We hope to break ground this fall. We’d love to start building in September,” said Fisher.

He talked about current market.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in the investment market, especially in bonds, due to the overall business climate, which will play a role in the capital campaign,” said Fisher.

He said several meetings will be set up for investors and employers through the City of New Ulm in the next month or so.

“We feel this project will be good for employees at Allina Medical, Kraft Heinz, Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (3M) and other companies to land housing,” Fisher said.

George’s Ballroom was built in 1947 and became popular for young couples reuniting after World War II. Entertainers including Lawrence Welk, The Andrews Sisters, Glenn Miller and the Six Fat Dutchmen played there.

The ballroom housed a bowling alley, restaurant and a long bar.