A new $15M National Guard center opened in New Ulm, replacing a century-old armory with modern facilities.

A new National Guard Readiness Center opened in New Ulm on Monday, replacing a 110-year-old facility. The 40,374-square-foot building, funded with $15 million from local, state, and federal sources, features modern amenities including solar panels, LED lighting, classrooms, and a fitness center. It will house the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment, supporting about 20 full-time staff and 240 drilling soldiers. Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar attended the ribbon-cutting, praising the upgrade as essential for training, readiness, and emergency response. The project, completed in April 2024, marks a significant improvement over the previous armory and reflects bipartisan support for national and regional security.