6 days Ago By By Edie Schmierbach [email protected]
Brie Taralson had not intended to feel so at home in the place she and her husband, Nick, relocated to for their jobs. New Ulm’s picturesque landscapes and historic brick buildings — along with residents’ warm welcomes — are factors in why the couple put down roots here. “We were only going to be here two or three years, but we love it here,” Taralson said.
What she did not care for was its lack of places in the business district where people who don’t drink alcohol can frequent or where children can safely hang out at night. Taralson said this time of year, her family keeps busy with youth hockey. “But where do kids who aren’t in sports go?” In 2022, after presenting that question — along with other queries about what residents find lacking in New Ulm — to attendees at a health fair, Taralson determined her neighbors could benefit from a downtown gathering spot.
Her skills are in health administration, but she took a leap of faith and decided to found such a space. Lykke Books opened in early May in a historical structure that’s been redubbed Ulm Sweet Ulm. A well-stocked independent bookstore dominates the 7,500-foot-building, which older locals remember as the site of the town’s Montgomery Ward.
More recently, the building housed Riverbend Business Products. Taralson first considered starting a cooperative venture after picking up Meik Wiking’s “The Little Book of Lykke,” she told The Free Press in May. “Lykke” (pronounced LOO-kah) is a Danish word that translates into English as both “happiness” and “luck.
” Happiness through relationship building is what Taralson sees as the core of her creation. Taralson described Ulm Sweet Ulm as a “third space.” “You know, the term that’s used for a place you go to when you aren’t at home or work.
” Her idea morphed into a pop-up book display in October 2023. In the months since Ulm Sweet Ulm opened, its community membership has expanded to include a small deli operated by a local nonprofit, a little art gallery, a yoga studio and an event center. The idea wasn’t to start a bookstore but a Lykke community hub, Taralson said in May.
“It’s a way for us to share actual costs and a way to take advantage of foot traffic.” Oak Hills’ registered dietitian Jessica Weisbrich has expanded the nonprofit living center’s catering business to a spot in the Lykke community. Coffee, box lunches and soup are some of the grab-and-go foods available from Gutes Essen’s downtown counter.
“We are open to having more exposure, and when Brie approached me with her idea, I decided why not give it a go?” Weisbrich said. “Any profit we make ultimately goes back to serve the residents (of Oak Hills).” This month an online business’ pop-up store is using another section of the building.
The Christmas Haus is set up in a cozy corner with log walls and a fireplace. The German crafts importer once operated in a downtown building. On Nov.
30, for Small Business Saturday, shoppers were treated to live music by the Ulmer Quartet. An exhibit showcasing local artist Kara Carlson’s watercolor paintings will be displayed throughout December. New Ulm’s downtown may no longer have a music store, but Ulm Sweet Ulm is where you can buy sheet music, said Taralson, who enjoys singing.
And youths with free time on Saturday mornings are welcome to stop in for ukulele lessons. The free class teaches the basic chords and strumming patterns. Instruments are provided.
“We got a grant for the ukuleles from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council,” Taralson said. The nonprofit component of the hub, Lykke Communities, also has received funding from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a workshop that teaches bike repair to youths. The Boost grant enables New Ulm to have a place that empowers kids to maintain their own bikes and a place that teaches practical, hands-on technical skills that can be throughout a lifetime, Taralson said.
Students spend Monday evenings in the basement of Ulm Sweet Ulm, where they have access to a fully equipped workplace. Justin Pederson is the instructor for the course designed with input from the nonprofit, Big Ideas. “Bikes are a gateway for kids to learn mechanic skills that can translate into small engines or other career paths,” said Joe Schotzko, Big Ideas trainer.
“There is currently nothing like this offered in the community. We’re excited to bring it to life in New Ulm.” Pederson has four students who show up for class regularly.
Youth are welcome to join in the 5:30 p.m. weekly class.
“Justin is passionate about bikes. (His students) will learn how to pull apart a bike and put it back together, and how to make adjustments,” Schotzke said. Chamber of Commerce President Sarah Warmka is pleased there’s so much activity on North Minnesota Street.
And she expects Ulm Sweet Ulm to thrive. “Downtown (business) is hopping — other towns are jealous of New Ulm,” Warmka said. Taralson recently began thinking about the empty spaces remaining in Ulm Sweet Ulm, including a full basement with walls and floors that are in great shape.
“It’s like looking at a blank canvas,” she said..
