As the curtains draw to a close on 2023 and we embark on the journey that is 2024, it’s time to reflect on the events that shaped the Wayzata community, capturing the essence of a year marked by resilience, growth, and change.
In this comprehensive year in review, we will delve into the top stories that unfolded within our community, exploring the triumphs, setbacks, and notable moments that defined Wayzata’s journey throughout the past 12 months.
City of Wayzata
New Council members
In the inaugural gathering of 2023, the City of Wayzata welcomed Molly MacDonald (previously appointed to fill Johanna Mouton‘s seat) and newcomer Jeff Parkhill to the helm, both elected to four-year terms. Jeff Buchanan opted not to seek re-election, signaling a changing landscape in the Wayzata City Council composition.
Construction began on the Lakewalk
Construction of Phase II of the Panoway – aka the Lakewalk began in 2023, and Kraus Anderson crews could be seen driving piles along the shore of Lake Minnetonka and removing the old docks for much of the year. Completion is expected in 2024. The building costs exceeded expectations.
Two $500,000 gifts for Panoway
A $500,000 gift from the Carisch Family significantly boosted the Lakewalk construction and operations funding. Shortly thereafter Jennifer Zhi-Roth also pledged $500,000 to honor her late husband Gunther. Peter Hitch and the Wayzata Conservancy procured the major gifts to the City; and the City subsequently accepted the gifts with gratitude and thanks to the donors.
Wayzata Business
Construction begins on Wayzata Gateway
The Wayzata Gateway mixed use project, located at the corner of Wayzata Boulevard and Superior got underway after the Mithun Family initially received approval from the City of Wayzata for the development in 2022. Upon completion, the project will feature a modern and more compact Wells Fargo bank building, an office complex, along with 67 rental apartments, 9 townhomes, and a park.
Lake West Development lawsuit
After receiving multiple denials for the redevelopment of the former TCF Bank headquarters located at 200 East Lake Street, Lake West Development owner Curt Fretham initiated a lawsuit against the City of Wayzata seeking a neutral third party to weigh in on what can and should be allowed/built on the site.
Caribou and Penny’s closed, Gerring’s sold
In today’s economic landscape, coffee shops must adapt with a drive-through as part of their operations. Unfortunately, Caribou Coffee was denied a development application in 2022 for a new store on Wayzata Boulevard with such a drive through; sometime later the location on Lake Street in Wayzata shut its doors in January to the dismay of both Caribou Coffee and Wayzatans. Penny’s Coffee Shop also closed its doors citing trouble staffing the store.
Crew Car Wash opens
Gerrish’s Car Wash underwent a complete transformation in 2023 after being sold and is now the revamped Crew Car Wash on Wayzata Boulevard. The Wayzata Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting in November.
Stalk & Spade closed
Vegan burger joint Stalk and Spade closed its doors in November. Rumor has it serial entrepreneur and franchisor Steele Smiley will likely bring another restaurant concept to the building in the future.
Timber & Tulip opened
The Wayzata Chamber welcomed high end furniture store Timber & Tulip to Lake Street in November.
Red Cow opened in the Promenade
Red Cow is a popular and upscale restaurant that serves gourmet burgers and wine among other things. It opened in October within the Promenade and near the Hotel Landing.
Anthropologie and Promenade began litigation
Anthropologie and the Promenade commenced litigation over rental rates and occupancy by other first class tenants within the commercial shopping development.
Wayzata Bait & Tackle closed
Wayzata Bait & Tackle closed in 2023 after 48 years in business, making way for a potential car dealership along the frontage road abutting Interstate 394 just into Minnetonka.
Wayzata Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools announced $7 million budget shortfall in February
Superintendent Chace Anderson attributes budget challenges to the pandemic’s financial impact, decreased student enrollment, prolonged inadequate state funding for education, and inflationary pressures on operational functions like a 13% increase in the transportation budget.
Schedule changes at Wayzata High School nixed
Wayzata Public Schools are confronting financial challenges and seeking ways to trim the budget. One contemplated idea was to change the block schedule that has been in place since the 1990’s. This initial plan, intended to save $1.2 million through staff cuts, faced opposition from the community in the form of a petition bearing over 2,600 signatures as well as feedback from stakeholders delivered directly to Wayzata School Board members through emails, phone calls, and text messages.
Wayzata Public Schools acquired an office building for administration for $7.5 million
The Wayzata School District elected to purchase a 31,780 square foot office building for $7.75 million near Carlson Parkway and Xemium Lane to house its administration. The decision was made in February of 2023, and the transaction closed near the end of the year, according to an eCRV filed with the State of Minnesota. Officials indicate existing bond proceeds were utilized to pay for the building, so no funds came from the general fund.
Three Wayzata School Board Members terms expired
Three Wayzata School Board members—Cheryl Polzin, Bonita Lucky, and Linda Cohen—conclude their combined 44 years of service at Wayzata Public Schools in December. Polzin, who had served most recently as Treasurer, has been chosen for the Minnesota School Board Association. Linda Cohen, the longest-serving member in the history of Wayzata Schools, finished her service as the Vice-Chair. The new Board members—Sheila Prior (re-elected), Paras Bhende, Dan Ginestra, and Valentina Eyres—will start their term on January 9, 2024.
Wayzata Trojans
Wayzata Boys Basketball won Class AAAA State Title in overtime
Third state title for Wayzata Boys Basketball after defeating Park Center at Target Center. Junior Jackson McAndrew scored 8 of Wayzata’s 9 points in the overtime to secured the 75-71 victory at Target Center.
4th consecutive State Title achieved for Wayzata Girls Volleyball
University of Minnesota recruit Olivia Swenson, a senior outside hitter, led a balanced attack with 14 kills and junior middle hitter Katie Kelzenberg added 10. Senior setter Stella Swenson, Olivia’s twin sister and fellow Gophers recruit, ran the show with 32 assists as Wayzata Girls Volleyball defeated New Prague in 3 straight sets to win the 4th consecutive State Title.
Back-to-back State Titles for Wayzata Boys Soccer
In the battle of last undefeated teams in the big-school field, Wayzata needed just 2 minutes and 12 seconds into the game to grab the lead it wouldn’t lose. Junior forward Aiden Judickas had the honors by scoring on a header off a corner kick by senior midfielder Charlie Piller. Those two combined again midway through the first half on a similar scoring play to double the Trojans’ advantage.
Wayzata Boys and Girls Cross Country won State
The Wayzata boys cross country team secured their unprecedented third consecutive Class AAA state title, marking a historic achievement for the program. Will Weber led the Trojans, finishing third with a time of 15:21, contributing to the team’s overall score of 63. Meanwhile, the Wayzata girls cross country team clinched their second consecutive state championship, guided by Jazleen Malherek-Osorio, who finished third overall in 18:00.
Wayzata Boys Tennis won a State Title
The Wayzata boys tennis team completed an outstanding season with a 5-2 win over Rochester Mayo in the state class AA championship match. The Trojans swept the singles matches on the way to the win. Wayzata finished undefeated against Minnesota teams this spring, with their only loss to a team from Illinois. It’s the fifth state title in program history for the Trojans. Courtesy CCX Media.
Wayzata History
Wayzata Historical Society merged into Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
The Wayzata Historical Society merged with three other local history organizations in October to form the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.
Events
Chamber events like James J. Hill Days and the Wayzata Beach Bash returned to rave reviews
Last but not least, you simply cannot forget about the Wayzata Chamber‘s annual events including James J. Hill Days, which includes big-time music shows known as the Wayzata Beach Bash–produced by Rick Born. This year the headliners were Brad Paisley & Cody Jinks, who put on awesome shows.
Other great Chamber events in 2023 included: the Wayzata Chilly Open, the Wayzata Art Experience, Wayzata Boo Blast, and more.
Hosted by the Wayzata Chamber, James J. Hill Days is an annual celebration in Wayzata, bringing the community together for a lively event filled with festivities, entertainment, and local charm. 2023 was an amazing celebration of everything that is Wayzata.
Lake Minnetonka is backdrop for Guiness Book of Records
330 people floated on individual pool noodles in Brown’s Bay on Lake Minnetonka in September to set a Guiness World Record. The event was hosted by Project Got Your Back, a Minnesota Foundation that helps to support veterans.
Conclusion
As we wrap up the Wayzata Year in Review for 2023, we invite you to join the conversation! Share your thoughts, agreements, disagreements, or any highlights we might have missed. Your input adds depth to our community narrative. Let’s continue celebrating Wayzata! Comment below and be a part of the discussion. Oh, and by the way – Happy New Year!
