At their regular City Council meeting dated April 5, 2022, the Council received and ordered filed the Hermann Monument Historic Building Conditions Assessment by MacDonald & Mack Architects dated June 17, 2019 and the Core Drillings Structural Assessment by Midwest Engineering dated February 23, 2022.
Overview
- Hermann Monument needs complete or extensive replacement, reconstruction, or restoration.
- Over the past few years, staff has consulted with numerous experts, including from the: Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota State Office of Historic Preservation, and National Park Service.
- No simple solution has resulted.
- Staff plans to present a concept to the above mentioned agencies to:
- Retain a firm to systematically and strategically deconstruct the monument, while documenting all aspects.
- Retain a firm to create of a complete architectural reconstruction plan.
- Retain a firm to reconstruct the monument as per the reconstruction plan.
- Like materials would be used in the reconstruction: granite, limestone, brick, concrete, steel, glass, etc.
- Reconstruction with new, like (similar) materials, would be expected to give the monument at least another century of life.
Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider
- One or more firms may be retained for the above mention work.
- Significant funding will be necessary.
- Funding sources may include: Minnesota State grants, bonding and or appropriations; Federal appropriation(s); City of New Ulm funds; private grants and or donations.
- Approximate timelines may be:
- 2022-2024 Receive concept acceptance from the State of Minnesota.
- 2024-2026 Secure funding (possibly in phases).
- 2026-2028 Deconstruction and documentation.
- 2028-2030 Reconstruction plan created.
- 2030-2032 Reconstruction.
- 2032-2033 Grand reopening.