Join us for an open house and Business After Hours as we celebrate the completion of the Chamberplatz Apartments at 1 North Minnesota Street in downtown New Ulm. Visitors are invited to tour the newly renovated apartments, learn more about the project, and see firsthand how the second floor of the Chamber building has been transformed into three new residential units in the heart of downtown. Whether you're interested in housing, historic building redevelopment, downtown revitalization, or simply curious to see the finished project, we welcome you to stop by! This event is open to Chamber members and the public. Registration is appreciated to help us plan for attendance. (then, on the right hand side – include how to register (on page, email, phone)).
 
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce
1 N Minnesota Street, New Ulm
 
Why This Project?
In 1993, a forward-thinking Chamber Board of Directors made the decision to purchase the building at 1 North Minnesota Street, creating a permanent home for the Chamber Office and Visitor Center. Their investment helped secure the future of the organization and established a long-term presence in the heart of downtown New Ulm. More than 30 years later, today's Chamber Board chose to build on that legacy of forward-thinking leadership. The Chamber Apartments project represents another investment in the future of the organization and the community we serve.
 
The project supports several long-term goals. It creates an additional source of non-dues revenue, helping diversify the Chamber's funding and reducing reliance on membership dues. Revenue diversification has been a key component of the Chamber's strategic plan for several years and has helped the organization continue expanding programs, services, and community initiatives while maintaining stable membership dues. The project is also an investment in a historic downtown building. As an organization that encourages businesses and property owners to invest in their properties and in downtown New Ulm, we believe it is important to lead by example through continued investment in our own building. Finally, the project adds new housing opportunities in downtown New Ulm. Additional housing supports workforce attraction and retention, provides more options for residents, and contributes to a vibrant downtown by increasing the number of people who live, work, and spend time downtown.
 
Chamber Members Involved in the Project
The Chamber Apartments project would not have been possible without the support, expertise, and dedication of many Chamber member businesses and individuals.
 
Volunteer General Contractor - A special thank you to Andy Lilleodden, former Chamber Board member and volunteer General Contractor. Andy has been instrumental to this project from the very beginning, helping shape the vision, coordinate contractors, solve challenges, and guide the project through completion. He has dedicated countless hours to this effort, and his leadership, expertise, and commitment to the Chamber and community have been invaluable. We are deeply grateful for all he has done to help make this project a reality.
 
Lead Contractor - Special recognition goes to Joe Hoffmann, Hoffmann Homes, LLC, who served as the project's lead contractor. Working in partnership with volunteer General Contractor Andy Lilleodden, Joe managed the construction work, coordinated subcontractors, and helped navigate the many challenges that come with renovating a historic downtown building. His expertise, craftsmanship, and dedication played a key role in transforming the space into three quality, modern, move-in-ready residential units.
 
Renovation Committee - The Chamber would also like to recognize the members of its Renovation Committee, whose guidance, expertise, and oversight helped move this project forward:

• Andy Lilleodden, former Board Member
• Kari Linbo, Route 1 Interiors
• John Gag, GSM

 
Chamber Staff Lead - Special recognition goes to Mae Geidel, Business Services Manager, for her leadership and coordination throughout the project. Mae played a critical role behind the scenes, helping organize bids, coordinate communications, track project details, manage documentation, process payments, and support contractors and committee members throughout the renovation. Her organization, persistence, and attention to detail helped keep the project moving forward from planning through completion.
 
Chamber Member Businesses Involved in the Project - We are grateful to the many Chamber member businesses that contributed their services, materials, expertise, and support to the project:

• Design Home Center
• GSM
• Hoffmann Homes, LLC 

Past Committee Members & Project Supporters
We would also like to thank the many individuals who provided guidance, ideas, support, and encouragement throughout the life of this project, including:

• Aron Bode, Lola's
• Chay Henle, The Coffee Keller
• Danielle Fischer Marti, Gallery 512 Boutique
• Heather Hammer, A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts

 
The Chamber would also like to thank the City of New Ulm for its partnership and support throughout this project. From planning and permitting to inspections, utility work, housing initiatives, and economic development efforts, the City played an important role in helping bring this project to completion.
 
And to the many other Chamber members, board members, volunteers, partners, and supporters who contributed to this project along the way, thank you.