Vandals Cause Damage
Once a bustling corporate hub, the former TCF Headquarters in downtown Wayzata now stands as a magnet for vandals and trespassers. Property owner Curt Fretham of Lakewest Development says the vacant building has been broken into approximately 20 times in recent years, despite repeated efforts to secure it.
“Every time we secure it, they figure out another way to get in,” Fretham said. “We’ve screwed and bolted doors shut, only to have them kicked in again.”
The ongoing break-ins have escalated beyond mere trespassing. Individuals have been found inside the building playing games, drinking alcohol, and setting up makeshift gathering spaces. Despite efforts to board up access points, intruders have scaled walls to enter through upper floors as well.
Frozen Pipes Burst
Extensive water damage caused by frozen pipes is also proving to be challenging. A major water leak on the third floor sent thousands of gallons cascading down through the structure, turning stairwells into waterfalls and soaking carpets, flooring, walls, and ceilings beyond repair. The water poured out of the front doors onto the surrounding property before the flow was finally stopped.
“The City called me stating they couldn’t figure out where all the water was going, but that their water meter was spinning like crazy,” Fretham recounted. “City staff drove through Wayzata and saw water pouring from the front doors of the [TCF] building. With an 8″ water main pipe, that’s a substantial amount of water.”
Mold Damage is Extensive
The aftermath has left much of the building covered in mold, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the structure.
Wayzata Police have urged Fretham to secure the property, even as the City Planning Department has been cautious about allowing fencing or other visible deterrents. The situation has required continuous repairs and reinforcement of the property. To ensure the safety of emergency responders, all utilities—water, electricity, gas, and others—have been shut off, allowing them to enter without the risk of shock or explosion.
Fretham and his company, Lakewest Development, are tentatively scheduled to be in front of the Planning Commission and Council in the coming months.
The question remains: What’s next for the former TCF Headquarters? And how long can it endure as a target for trespassers, and is the damage likely irreversible at this point?
For now, Fretham’s team continues to board up access points and monitor the site. But without a long-term solution, the cycle of break-ins and destruction may be far from over.
