Brown County Poor Farm to be torn down

New Ulm city council condemns building, says it's a safety threat

By CHRIS VETTER

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Brown County's Poor Farm, where poor families lived and worked off their debts at the turn of the century, will be torn down this spring.

The City Council approved a plan this week to condemn the structure, which was built in 1906. It is slated to be demolished by April 1, 2001.

"A recent inspection indicated that the property still poses an attractive nuisance and should be removed," City Inspector Alan Gag wrote to city councilors. "The doors and windows are missing, resulting in the building being open to promiscuous entry."

The move to raize the building ends several years of delays.

The owner, Jon Hartley of Lafayette, had sought to renovate the facility and turn it into a 17-room country inn. However, he was unable to raise the financing to get the construction going.

Hartley learned Thursday night that the council has moved forward with plans to destroy the building. He was disappointed -- but not surprised -- by the council's action.

"I was looking for a new life, a new use for that building," Hartley said. "I think it's time to let it go."

The Brown County Poor Farm, near Schell's Brewery at the southern end of town, was in operation from 1908-1938. A fire in 1980 severely damaged the infrastructure, although the outer facade remains intact. Hartley purchased the building in 1991.

The three-story building measures 80 feet by 40 feet.

The Council ordered City Attorney Hugh Nierengarten to send a letter to Hartley, ordering the demolition. If Hartley does not hire someone to tear down the building, the city will do it, then bill Hartley for the costs.

"The time has come for this building to go," Nierengarten said. "The roof structure is gone, the chimney could collapse at any time."

Last year, Hartley sought status as a Heritage Preservation landmark. The New Ulm Heritage Preservation Commission approved the designation last winter, but the council placed it on hold in February 2000 until Hartley obtained financing and a building permit.

The council expressed concern that if the designation were given and renovation did not proceed, it would be harder to condemn the building and have it removed, according to Gag.

Gag said the fire has made the building a danger to the community.

"It's just a brick shell," Gag said. "Kids have been getting in it for years. I do believe someone is going to get hurt (if it remains)."

He added: "We've been pretty patient with (Hartley). It's been three years."

Christine DeSouza, chair of the Heritage Preservation Commission, said she liked Hartley's plans to turn the building into a bed and breakfast and conference center.

"It think it was a great idea," DeSouza said. "But the building is in such disrepair, someone is going to get hurt."

Council President Dan Beranek noted that it would be extremely difficult to rebuild the site. He said local banks did not line up to support Hartley's plans.

"If we saw a building permit issued and the financing to go with it, we would have given historical status," Beranek said.

Hartley will retain ownership of the land. He said it will be split into lots and likely will be for sale.

"It certainly is a nice location for a building, right along the river," Hartley said.