Brown Co. OKs loan for ballroom demolition
Apartment, commercial space project plans expected to follow
Staff photo by Fritz Busch In February 2025 Landwehr Construction of St. Cloud removes piles of concrete, tree roots and dirt during the demolition of the former George’s Ballroom at Center and South German Street. A project concept design including apartments, underground parking and commercial space is planned for the property.
Staff photo by Clay Schuldt A large George’s Bar sign was removed from the former George’s Ballroom site before the building was demolished early last year.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch In February 2025 Landwehr Construction of St. Cloud removes piles of concrete, tree roots and dirt during the demolition of the former George’s Ballroom at Center and South German Street. A project concept design including apartments, underground parking and commercial space is planned for the property.
Staff photo by Clay Schuldt A large George’s Bar sign was removed from the former George’s Ballroom site before the building was demolished early last year.
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NEW ULM -- Brown County commissioners unanimously approved forgiveness of up to a $500,000 loan facilitating the removal of the former George's Ballroom property Tuesday.
Ballroom demolition was completed in February 2025, satisfying the condition required for $405,228.74 of loan forgiveness on the second anniversary of the benefit date. The agreement with Fisher Development Company of Mankato was approved by commissioners July 23, 2024.
Brown County Auditor Treasurer Kelly Hotovec told commissioners all conditions of the forgivable loan were met.
"This is standard business," said Commissioner Tony Berg.
"Aren't they supposed to be building on that by now?" asked Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp.
Hotovec said loan forgiveness was tied to having the property demolished and ready for building.
"When they come with a TIF (tax increment financing) loan request, we will set the terms of how long they have to build," she said.
Loan forgiveness came on a motion by Berg and seconded by Dave Borchert.
Two years ago, Coldwell Banker Fisher Group Managing Director Dain Fisher of Mankato told commissioners signage and some other parts of the former George's Ballroom will be incorporated into a new building with apartments, underground parking and commercial space. He said project construction is expected to take 18 months to complete.
Fisher said the public provided lots of project feedback and that the large George's Ballroom sign was transported to Mankato for refurbishing.
"I'm really enjoying this project," said Fisher. "It's really been a great experience all the way around. I really can't say enough about it."
Ballroom memories include decades of dancing to the music of Lawrence Welk, the Andrews Sisters, Glenn Miller, the Six Fat Dutchmen, "Whoopie John," and many other musicians plus bowling, eating and drinking at the property, long a symbol of New Ulm's vibrant past.