City receives $11.6 million reconstruction estimate for Hermann Monument; consultants say base is beyond repair
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Summary
Consultants told the New Ulm City Council that chronic water infiltration has left the Hermann Monument’s base and dome beyond repair, recommending a deconstruction and reconstruction to preserve its National Register status; the estimated full cost is $11.6 million and the council authorized staff to pursue funding strategies.
Consultants presented an $11.6 million estimate to deconstruct and reconstruct the Hermann Monument and the City Council voted to receive the report and authorize staff to pursue funding strategies.
The consultant presentation said chronic water infiltration—largely traced to mid‑20th‑century gunite repairs that trapped moisture in the masonry—has caused extensive internal deterioration. "The base, the dome underneath Hermann, really is beyond repair," said Todd Grover, principal at McDonnell and Mack architects, after describing core-drill samples that came out crumbled and consistently wet.
The consultants told the council they recommend carefully deconstructing salvageable exterior elements (columns, lions, portions of railing) and rebuilding the monument with a contemporary structural core of concrete and steel clad in compatible historic materials so the site can remain listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Grover said the consultants separated the work into deconstruction and reconstruction phases and listed costs and contingencies; he reported a mid‑range line item of about $6,000,000 for a major portion of the reconstruction and a total program estimate that "bring[s] us to that 11,600,000.0 cost that we're looking at." The estimate includes mechanical systems, project management, bonds, professional fees and an escalation allowance the team set at 10 percent.
Councilors asked about safety and public access. One councilor raised whether the structure remains safe to climb; staff said the Park & Rec Commission has restricted public access and is limiting visits to private tours until work proceeds. Consultants also noted the absence of original design documents and said reconstruction is uncommon in the Upper Midwest but has national precedents where documentation supports accurate rebuilds.
Consultants flagged additional requirements that will affect schedule and cost: archaeological monitoring at the site, off‑site and on‑site secure storage for salvaged elements, and adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for reconstruction to preserve the monument’s historic designation.
A councilor moved to receive the cost‑estimate report and authorize staff to pursue funding strategies; the mayor said the report was encouraging given long‑standing moisture problems and the motion carried by voice vote. The council did not authorize construction—staff will next pursue funding options and required preservation approvals.
The consultant team said ongoing deterioration could increase costs over time and recommended the city consider prompt next steps for funding and permitting.
