Georgeâs Ballroom: A dive into music hubâs history amid demolition consideration
Georgeâs Ballroom: A dive into music hubâs history amid demolition consideration By Bernadette Heier | April 14, 2021 at 10:35 PM CDT - Updated April 14 at 10:35 PM
NEW ULM, Minn. (KEYC) â An iconic building once the social hub for live music and dancing, now in its deteriorating condition, is being considered for demolition. But the memories made inside will live on.
In 1947, George Neuwirth opened the ballroom, the âitâ place for concerts, parties and weddings, fueling New Ulmâs vibrant live music scene.
âReally it was an amusement center, it was more than just a bar. Originally it had a bar and it had a bowling alley. I happened to have bowled in that bowling alley years and years ago back in the 60s,â said Kathleen Bakcer, executive director at the Brown County Historical Society.
City officials consider demolition of Georgeâs Ballroom
City officials consider demolition of Georgeâs Ballroom By Bernadette Heier | April 12, 2021 at 6:46 PM CDT - Updated April 12 at 10:24 PM
NEW ULM, Minn. (KEYC) â New Ulm city officials are considering the demolition of Georgeâs Ballroom.
Built in 1947, the building was closed in 1991 due to a declining interest in ballroom dancing. Acquired by Brown County, later sold at auction, then forfeited to the State of Minnesota in 2019 due to unpaid property taxes.
Drone footage shows trees and shrubs growing through the buildingâs roof.
City officials were told it would cost $5 million to restore and $300,000 per month to keep going, with an estimated demolition cost of $1 million.