In a recent Wayzata City Council meeting, local resident Jeff Shore took the floor during the public forum, posing challenging questions about the progress and future of the Wayzata Bay Center development.
Shore’s concerns revolved around whether Presbyterian Homes, the developer behind the project, would adhere to their original commitments.
“Are we holding Presbyterian Homes to what they originally agreed to do? Our biggest exposure is that it ends up being a hole in the ground. This would be, in my opinion, a tremendous blow to the community if they can’t finish what they agreed to start,” expressed Shore.
Mayor Ken Willcox, who recently met with representatives from Presbyterian Homes, provided reassurance. “My understanding is that they have every intention of going forward with the plan as it was structured. The lurching has been happening because of the financial crunch, and that the key markets they would have been building into, namely condos and retail have fallen on hard times. They have readjusted the schedule of what they are going to build first. Everything is still on course.”
During the discussion, Councilwoman Mary Bader raised concerns about the possibility of certain sections of the property, particularly along Lake Street, remaining undeveloped for an extended period.
She highlighted the initial sequence that prioritized building along Lake Street first and senior housing last. With the revised plan, senior housing would now take precedence.
“We know the market for retail has been difficult, the condo market has been difficult, we don’t know about the hotel. The sequence originally was that the buildings along Lake Street would be built first, and the senior housing last. Now that sequencing will be changing, the senior housing will be built first. What is the possibility that the buildings on Lake Street, the hotel, and the retail sections–could that land along Lake Street sit undeveloped for years or decades?” questioned Councilwoman Bader.
City Manager Al Orsen responded, stating, “There is no way to guarantee that it will get built. They are promising to deliver the utility construction schedule within the next 30 days.”
As of now, an email seeking an updated timeline from Presbyterian Homes representatives has not been immediately returned.
The City Council continues to field questions, address concerns and monitor the progress of the Bay Center development.
