The most contentious item discussed was the proposed renovations for the Kaiserhoff restaurant, located on North Minnesota Street. Kaiserhoff Hospitality LLC, represented by Jeff Bradley, submitted an application that included relocating the existing “Vigel Kaiserhoff” sign back to its original position above the restaurant area, a placement supported by historical photographs from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Additionally, a new hanging sign was proposed over the KAR establishment, which also included changing the trim color to a new blue inspired by the Bavarian flag.

The blue paint proposal sparked debate among the commissioners. One member highlighted public inquiries about the new color, describing it as “really blue” and noting that it stood out dramatically. Another commissioner pointed out the lack of a current color palette for downtown. The discussion focused on whether the blue color adhered to the historical context and guidelines traditionally favored in the district, which tend to lean towards more subdued tones. Some members expressed discomfort with the vibrancy of the color, while others noted that blue had historical ties to Bavarian themes and had appeared in the area before, sparking a broader conversation about potentially revising the color palette guidelines to incorporate such vibrant colors.

Despite the debate over the color, the modifications to the signage were generally well-received. It was clarified that both the original Kaiserhoff sign and the new hanging sign would retain their existing wording, “Vigel Kaiserhoff.” The commissioners emphasized ensuring that the new signs met the height and design guidelines. A motion to accept the proposed sign and renovations passed with unanimous approval.

Following this, the commission reviewed a proposal by Try Hansen New LLC, represented by Kyle Esser, concerning the River Bin building. The project aimed to construct a stairway providing access to the second-floor apartments, addressing issues with the current back entrance, which was deemed inadequate. The proposed stairway design included three flights of stairs, and discussions centered around the materials to be used and compliance with fire code regulations. Esser emphasized the need for a safe and accessible main entrance for residents, and there was a conversation about ensuring that the stairway would be secure and not permit unauthorized access. The commission weighed the practical aspects of the design against safety requirements.

Another topic was the design for a patio and access stairs associated with a building on Minnesota Street, across from the Legion. The proposed design included a 14-foot wide by 8-foot deep patio area, with materials under consideration such as a cement slab foundation and possibly a cement or paver surface. The railing design, featuring a cable system to maintain visibility, and the choice of wood colors, ranging from red to honey, were debated. Cedar was identified as the primary material for both the decking and the fence. The design’s modernity prompted differing opinions, but it was confirmed to comply with historical design standards. The fire escape design, consisting of multiple flights of stairs, raised concerns about balancing historical preservation with safety codes, with a consensus that safety must take precedence.

The commission also reviewed an update on the Herman Monument, following communication from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The deconstruction of the monument had been accepted, and efforts were underway to gather pricing estimates from architects and engineers, with expectations to have these estimates by the end of the year. Funding sources were discussed, including a city council-established fund that could utilize carryover funds instead of applying for a grant. This update marked the most progress made on the monument in several years.

A new item introduced during the meeting was a mural project initiated by the New Ulm Chamber and the Downtown Action Team. The mural, conceived through a community collage project, was proposed to be installed on the Thimble Box building at Center and Minnesota. Designed as a vinyl wrap for easy removal and repair, the mural featured a predominantly black-and-white design with color accents. The commission discussed the mural’s placement, size, and potential future changes, with a tentative unveiling planned for Octoberfest. A member noted the project’s role in revitalizing downtown, and the mural proposal was approved by the commission.