Molly MacDonald is a distinguished figure in the community, serving as a Wayzata City Council Member and simultaneously contributing to the local retail landscape as the owner of Highcroft Fine Linens. Her dual role reflects a commitment to both civic engagement and entrepreneurial endeavors.
As a City Council Member, Molly brings her leadership and community-focused approach to address the needs and concerns of Wayzata residents.
In her retail venture, Highcroft Fine Linens stands as a testament to her dedication to providing a specialty shopping experience in Wayzata. Molly MacDonald’s dynamic involvement in local governance and business underscores her passion for fostering a vibrant and thriving community in Wayzata.
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Wayzata Council Approves Emergency Moratorium on New Short-Term Rentals in 4-1 Vote
The Wayzata City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday night to approve an emergency interim ordinance imposing an immediate 12-month moratorium on new short-term rentals, with Mayor Andrew Mullin casting the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns largely centered on procedural sequencing. The action follows a March 30 district court order that voided the city’s earlier short-term rental…
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Wayzata City Council Denies Retail Variance at 401 Lake Street East
Council cites zoning standards, downtown retail policy as factors in 5–0 vote The Wayzata City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to deny a request to further reduce required ground-floor retail space at 401 Lake Street East, affirming a recommendation from the Planning Commission and reinforcing long-standing retail policies for the downtown core. The application, submitted…
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Council Splits 3-2 on Harrington Road Variance Request
The Wayzata City Council narrowly approved a controversial variance request Tuesday evening, voting 3-2 to grant a shoreland setback variance at 547 Harrington Road, a peninsula property on Browns Bay owned by Dick and Elaine Swanson. The action, adopted under Resolution 35-2025, reduces the required setback from Lake Minnetonka from 260.5 feet to 108 feet—a variance of 152.5…
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Wayzata Council Passes First Reading of Short-Term Rental Ban
On Tuesday, September 9, the Wayzata City Council passed the first reading of Ordinance 852, a measure that would prohibit short-term rentals across the city. The action follows years of discussion dating back to 2018 and builds on the city’s 2024 licensing ordinance, which had required all short-term rental operators to obtain a license. Mayor…
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Wayzata Council Creates Public Art Committee to Guide City’s Cultural Future
The Wayzata City Council voted unanimously on August 19 to approve Resolution 20-2025, officially creating a permanent Public Art Committee to oversee and advise on art installations throughout the city. The decision follows nearly a year of work by the Public Art Steering Committee, established in September 2024 to explore whether a standing body should…
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WAAM Fest Denied: Wayzata City Council Says No to EDM Concert, Citing Noise, Timing, and Format Concerns
WAYZATA – The Wayzata City Council voted 3-1 Tuesday night to deny a special event permit for the proposed WAAM Fest, an electronic dance music (EDM) concert planned for September 5–6 in conjunction with James J. Hill Days. Despite a long track record of concerts hosted by applicant Rick Born and RBA Productions, council members…
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Wayzata Grants Full Tree Ordinance Exemption to Golf Courses, Citing Stewardship and Safety
WAYZATA — In a unanimous vote on July 1, the Wayzata City Council approved a full exemption for golf courses from the city’s Tree Preservation Ordinance, clearing a regulatory path for ongoing renovations at both Woodhill Country Club and Wayzata Country Club. The decision follows nearly two years of dialogue between Woodhill officials and city staff. Golf course…
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Wayzata Council Moves to Approve Controversial Variance at 617 Park Street East
WAYZATA — Despite a Planning Commission recommendation to deny the request, the Wayzata City Council voted 4–1 on May 20 to move forward with approving a variance for a home under construction at 617 Park Street East. Councilmember Molly MacDonald cast the only vote against the measure. The variance relates to a one-foot encroachment by roof…
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Wayzata City Council Unanimously Approves The Retreat’s Men’s Wing Rebuild
WAYZATA — The Wayzata City Council voted unanimously Tuesday evening to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) amendment and design deviation allowing The Retreat, a long-standing residential recovery center, to rebuild and expand its men’s wing. Located at 1221 Wayzata Boulevard East, The Retreat sits on 7.44 acres nestled within the Big Woods and protected…
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Wayzata City Council Unanimously Approves Landmark Wayzata Redevelopment at 200 Lake Street
WAYZATA — In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, the Wayzata City Council approved the Landmark Wayzata redevelopment, clearing the way for the former TCF headquarters at 200 Lake Street East to be replaced with a six-building, mixed-use development along the city’s most visible stretch of lakefront. The council adopted Resolution 13-2025, approving a Planned Unit Development…
