The event brought together curious visitors, downtown business owners and several seriously interested renters.

Chamber President and CEO Sarah Warmka said, “There was a sweet young couple who appeared very interested in making one of the units their new home.”

The apartments are not yet available for occupancy, but Warmka said applications are actively being accepted. 

“We are definitely accepting applications,” she said.

From left to right: Kristen Walters and Brittany Wojtowicz of CADA, and Michelle Markgraf of Markgraf Consulting stand in the kitchen of the newly renovated Chamberplatz Apartments. The June 30 event drew downtown business owners and community members who toured the new units. (Photo by Sarah Warmka)

The project fulfills several long-term strategic goals for the Chamber. More than three decades after a forward-thinking board purchased the current building in 1993 for its office and Visitor Center, today’s leadership is building on that legacy. 

The primary driver is the creation of a stable, non-dues revenue stream to diversify funding, reduce reliance on membership dues and support expanded programs. 

The Chamber is also leading by example on historic property investment while addressing workforce housing needs.

Andrew “Andy” Lilleodden, this year’s Volunteer of the Year, served as volunteer general contractor on the project. 

“I’ve been on the board for many, many years. So just wanted to see it get through,” he said. “It definitely took time, maybe a little more than I was expecting, but I wanted to see the project through.” 

Mae Geidel (left), business services manager, and Sarah Warmka (right), president and CEO of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, tour one of the newly renovated kitchens during the Chamberplatz Apartments open house on June 30. (Photo by Amy Zents)

He said the apartments will deliver “regular income” as non-dues revenue to benefit Chamber operations and projects.

Lead contractor Joe Hoffmann of Hoffmann Homes LLC managed demolition, framing, carpentry, flooring and finishes. The early demolition phase was dramatic. 

“It was all plaster and we came in one day and started tearing everything out,” Hoffmann recalled. 

Crews built a debris chute out a window and in a single day loaded seven dump trailers with approximately 12,000 pounds of material hauled to the landfill. 

“I think it’s awesome,” Hoffmann said of the finished product. “Bring your furniture and your clothes and move right in.”

Scott Juni of Design Home Center, who supplied framing material and drywall, said the project “went pretty smooth working with Andy.” 

He said estimates began last year and “after approval, everything moved along very smoothly.” 

Cabinetry and aesthetic design came from Kari Linbo of Route 1 Interiors, while GSM supplied and installed the Frigidaire Gallery appliances. 

Linbo, GSM owner John Gag and volunteer general contractor Andy Lilleodden all served on the Chamber’s Renovation Committee.

The renovation preserved historic character, including original tall windows (with updated glass) and wood trim, while adding modern amenities. 

The second floor previously housed a dance studio as well as office and storage space.

Each of the three units offers modern conveniences with in-unit washer and dryer, stove, refrigerator, built-in microwave, individual heating and air conditioning, off-street parking and secure entrances. 

Utilities including water, wastewater, gas and waste removal are included in the monthly rent. Leases are for 12 months with a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. 

The units are nonsmoking and no pets are allowed. 

Apartment number 200 is a 509-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bath unit renting for $1,200 per month. Apartment number 201 is a spacious 1,354-square-foot two-bedroom, one-bath for $1,700 monthly. Apartment number 202 is a 1,166-square-foot two-bedroom, one-bath for $1,450 per month.

The project utilized a $50,000 low-interest (2%) Economic Development Authority (EDA) loan and prioritized Chamber member businesses per bylaws. 

Other key contributors included NU Current Electric, Minnesota Plumbing, Nilson Heating & Air, Puhlmann Lumber & Design, Glaser Painting & Decorating and more. 

Mae Geidel, business services manager, served as staff lead on the renovation committee. She coordinated vendors, bids, payments and communications while managing daily Chamber operations.

“It’s definitely going to be a huge impact for the chamber,” Dan Backer said.

The blend of modern conveniences, prime downtown location and the building’s rich history makes the Chamberplatz Apartments an ideal choice for many prospective renters to consider.

Details and photos of the project are available on newulm.com. Contact the Chamber at 507-233-4300 or chamber@newulm.com for applications and tours.