Diocese: North Highland lots sell well

Five out of 30 residential lots sold

By CHRIS VETTER

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Lot sales in the North Highland expansion area are going well, with the expectation of more closings in the spring, according to an official at the Diocese of New Ulm.

Duane J. Koble, director of finance with the Diocese, said the organization has sold five of 30 lots it owns by the Catholic Pastoral Center. The lots have been sold since early October, when they initially went on sale.

"We have several pending at this juncture," said Koble, who is the Diocese staff representative for the project. "I'm just excited we're doing the project. We're helping the city of New Ulm with its housing shortage."

The city plans to expand North Highland from Highway 29 stretching west to Highway 14. The Diocese, which owns about 120 acres in the area, decided to create then sell lots near the center.

"It's something very new for the Diocese," Koble said. "We're really open to anyone who's interested in the lots."

Diocese officials had expressed hope that construction on some lots could begin this fall. It now appears that building will be delayed until after the ground thaws next spring.

"Once housing development begins, that will cause other people to get on board," he said.

Koble said he is pleased with the number of lot sales thus far.

"We are very much on target," Koble said. "We're kind of in a period of dormancy. I think people will be interested in the winter months, then make their decision in the spring."

The Diocese worked with Community Partners, a Northfield-based company that specializes in land development, to begin the process of selling lots. Koble gives that company much credit for getting the Diocese in a position to offer housing possibilities.

"When we began the project, we had 15 people on a list wanting lots," Koble said. "All those people were contacted. The interest is definitely there."

All five completed lot sales came from people that were on that initial list, Koble added.

"Every day, we get inquiries, at least a couple a day," he said.

The Diocese still has 70 acres of land in the North Highland area besides the lots. The organization could develop more land projects after the existing 30 lots are sold, but there is no timeline for further expansion.

First, the current set of lots must be moved.

"It would be my dream that the lots would be sold within a year," Koble said. "I don't think we have a written goal. This is something that is new. It's new ground; it's new ministry."

Usually, the Diocese only owns land with the intention of using it for church purposes, such as a new church or school. So, selling lots to the public is a new experience for the Diocese, Koble explained.

"We are practicing good stewardship," he said.

The North Highland area of town, with about 450 acres and room for 700 lots, is considered to be the best place for future expansion in town, city officials have said.

It is an exciting time for Koble, who moved to New Ulm in August to become the Diocese' director of finance. Koble worked at the Diocese in Bismark, N.D. and has 25 years of experience in ministry, education and finance.

Koble has bachelor's degrees in business education and vocational office education, with an emphasis in human resources and finance. He also has Master's degrees in education from Aberdeen State in Aberdeen, S.D., and in pastoral studies and spirituality from St. Mary's University in Winona. He is currently working on a doctorate through St. Thomas.

Koble said he was drawn to New Ulm largely because of the prominence of this Diocese and Bishop Raymond Lucker.

"I appreciate Bishop Lucker's leadership and passion," Koble said, with a bit of sadness now that Lucker has retired. "There is life in this Diocese. This Diocese is held in high esteem in the country."

Besides being staff representative for the land development project, Koble manages finances, insurance programs, pensions and budgets for the Diocese.

"I'm learning every day, and that's exciting," he said.