Panel

discusses

saving

George's

Ballroom

Referendum

suggested

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Several dozen people gathered at a Save George's Ballroom Committee meeting Wednesday night at the New Ulm Public Library.

Terry Sveine of the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce said some people prefer that a private individual or foundation buy the ballroom and do what they want to with it.

Funding for a re-use study could come from a matching grant through the Minnesota Historical Society. The deadline for such a grant is in four days. An application for a $10,000 grant for a re-use study has been made for the Center Street ballroom.

Brown County will own the building until April 8, 2003. About $80,000 in back taxes is currently owed on the building. The actual value of the building is thought to be considerably less due to its dilapidated condition.

The ballroom building includes three bars, bowling alley, raised stage, a 90-by-90-foot dance floor, booths and upstairs apartments.

Possible uses include a home to local theater and musical groups, community concert series, hosting community dances and performances, hiring national touring acts, a site for wedding dances, rental facility for other social gatherings, even a youth center, Sveine said.

"The ballroom was the focal point for New Ulm's old-time music. We want to make the building a home to many groups and something that produces revenue," Sveine said. "We see it evolving into city-owned property. Our point isn't to redesign it yet. Our main point is to show support for the building, what it could become and how much it might cost."

A town without old buildings is like a person without a memory, Sveine said. He admitted the building has mold and needs replacement of the roof, floor, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Save George's Committee member Christine Carmichael said she thought there was time to do a re-use study of the building. She also hoped there was time for the community of New Ulm to react.

Carmichael acknowledged the high cost of renovating the building, but she asked if New Ulm could afford to lose the building. New Ulm needs such a facility, although the costs of not having it are hard to calculate, she said.

Brown County Commissioner Dick Seeboth said he applauded the efforts of people that are attempting to restore the building.

New Ulm businessman Bob Skillings suggested a property tax referendum to help finance George's Ballroom restoration. He said a web site should be utilized.

Seeboth said the City of New Ulm and Brown County have the issue as part of their website.

"The county wants to save the building from the wrecking ball, but right now, there isn't enough public support for it," Seeboth said. "Is everybody in town willing to put out $20 to help support it? I don't know. We just need to find the means."

If the building is sold, an elaborate renovation plan with strings attached would have to be created to close the deal. Building demolition costs are estimated at $200,000 or more.

The next Save George's meeting starts at 8 p.m., Oct. 31.