A site map included in the Loose Change, LLC conditional use permit application shows the proposed layout for a children’s activity and sports training facility at 123 N. 3rd St. and 318–326 North Valley St. in New Ulm. The map outlines existing structures, parking areas, and storage zones, including a metal building and concrete block building. Submitted photo

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use permit to convert two vacant industrial buildings into a children’s activity and sports training facility.

The project will renovate about 17,500 square feet at 123 N. 3rd St. and 318-326 N. Valley St. into a multi-use site featuring play areas, parent-child education classes, rentable party rooms and sports training zones. The property lies in the city’s general industrial zoning district and currently contains two vacant storage buildings.

According to the application submitted by Loose Change, LLC, non-sport uses will occupy the building during off hours when sports practices are not taking place.

Community Development Director David Schnobrich said the new facility will help fill a gap in indoor programming for children.

“There’s a need for indoor space for kids that’s not just sports,” Schnobrich said. “This is a good fit for the neighborhood and the zoning.”

The commission approved the permit with seven conditions. The property owner must terminate shared water and sewer services with 106 3rd North St. within two years. If that is not completed, the city will install separate services and assess the costs to the properties.

Other conditions require all business activities to occur within existing buildings and comply with city noise regulations. The owner must remove any debris or garbage generated by the site, and no exterior storage will be allowed. In addition, indoor sports recreation and sports and health facility uses cannot occur simultaneously, and entertainment and sports activities must not overlap in the same space at the same time.

City staff estimated the site includes about 90 parking stalls across two gravel lots, exceeding the 71-stall requirement under city code. Handicap-accessible parking will be located near the Valley Street entrance and must include a hard, rollable surface to meet compliance standards.

The site is in a mixed-use area bordered by single-family homes to the north and west, the Career and Technical Education Center to the south, and the New Ulm Fire Department headquarters, railroad tracks and Mueller Park baseball field to the west.