George's Ballroom
The colorful art deco building is a symbol of the small-town ballrooms that were the center of weekend activity is rural America. The ballroom also housed a bowling alley, restaurant and bar. The building closed in 1991 due to declining interest in big bands, ballroom dancing and polka.
The complex was acquired by Brown County in a tax foreclosure case. The building was later sold at auction and the new owner made plans to renovate and re-open the historical complex. The Minnesota Historical Society funded a study, completed in 2003, and a preservation architect team was hired to restore the building to its former glory. The ballroom re-opened, but its ultimate fate was uncertain as of early 2007 due to a disagreement between the owner and the City of New Ulm.
The property became tax-forfeit again in July 2019. The Brown County board of commissioners authorized its demolition in September 2019.
References
- ^ Hoisington, Daniel J. (May 1, 2005). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: New Ulm Commercial Historic District". National Park Service. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
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(help) - ^ "News". November 28, 2006. Archived from the original on November 28, 2006.
- ^ Busch, Fritz (September 25, 2019). "County OKs George's Ballroom demolition". The Journal. New Ulm, Minnesota. Retrieved February 15, 2020.