The City of Wayzata held a “Sand Breaking” event to commerate the beginning of construction of the Lakewalk (Phase 2A) of the Panoway project on July 11th, 2023.
Additional construction timeline updates can be found on by visiting this website.
Tag: Civitas
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A pile driver and an excavator float on a pair of barges on Wayzata Bay. Photo by Daniel Gustafson. Sandbreaking video: Bob Ambrose, Molly MacDonald, Jeff Parkhill, Johanna Mouton, Jeff Buchanan. 
Scott Jordan of Civets addresses a crowd gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction the Cakewalk. Submitted photo by Jameson Johnson. 
City Manager Jeff Dahl speaks at the Sand Breaking. Submitted photo by Jamie Tjornehoj. 
A sign showing the future Lakewalk that will be built. Submitted photo by Jamie Tjornehoj. -
At the beginning of July, a bathroom facility began to take shape on what was previously the CōV Restaurant parking lot along Lake Street in downtown Wayzata.
It is a portion of a $9 million construction project.
A month later, it has become the town talker.
Wayzata.com photo – July 29, 2020
“I know there’s a lot of talk in the community about that,” said Dahl during the Aug. 4 city council meeting referring to the construction of the plaza bathroom.
Wayzata.com photo – July 16, 2020
“I have received a few comments recently about the design of the project, particularly relating to the restroom which is currently under construction,” stated Dahl.
“Public restrooms were demanded by the business community and property owners as a part of our lengthy engagement process,” added Dahl. “Restrooms are usually ‘necessary evil’ when it comes to public space design. While they are needed there is never an ideal location for them.”
Plaza bathroom discussion during the Wayzata City Council Meeting 8/4/20
“One of the conversation pieces around the location of the restroom was also with regard to the relocation of the trail head and bike parking in the public ramp and close proximity to all those things,” said city council member Johanna McCarthy during the Aug. 4 city council meeting. “So, as I remember the conversation, that was certainly also a discussion point in terms of where we would locate the restroom facilities.”
To get a better idea of the community concerns, Wayzata.com asked Facebook followers what they thought of the bathroom’s location.
The comments were mostly negative. A small sampling includes:
- “Absolutely terrible. No one wants to look at a latrine when you are enjoying $15 cocktails and a $250 dinner. Admit it is in the wrong location and move it while you still can.”
- “It looks ridiculous. Sit on the patio of COV, McCormicks & Gianni’s and enjoy a view of the toilet.”
- “Horrendous, the planners and the city should be embarrassed they approved this into their plans. The goal of the Lake Effect Program was to beautify the landscape of our incredible city.”
- “I would move it.”
- “I feel bad for the businesses that now have a view of the bathrooms instead of the beautiful lake.”
During the planning stages, the city looked at three options for the restroom:
1.) West end of plaza
2.) Within the central plaza
3.) Just west of Cov Restaurant (current location)
Dahl admits that while it currently looks like a cinder block, the final product will be different.
Photo courtesy City of Wayzata
Photo courtesy City of Wayzata
“The structure will be skinned in a semi-reflective material with a series of white ‘fins’ wrapping the structure to provide further articulation and tying it into the design of the shade structure in the central plaza. The reflective material will reflect the trees, lake sky and adjacent activities, further softening it appearance and further help it blend into its surroundings,” said Dahl.“Additionally, because it is the only vertical structure currently installed it stands out,” said Dahl.
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Boardwalk contemplated as part of the Wayzata Lake Effect. Image courtesy Civitas. The City of Wayzata sent out the following email today:
“In a great show of interest in the Lake Effect Signature Park, about 100 community members attended the Wayzata City Council’s Tuesday, April 19, public forum on the proposed future park. The City Council scheduled the forum to bring forth the community’s questions, concerns and expressions of support.
Mark Johnson of Civitas led off the evening with a final presentation of the Lake Effect proposal. Key among Johnson’s points were refined findings on funding long-term maintenance and operations of the phased-in park. You can find both the Civitas presentation and video from the forum on the Lake Effect website.
About 30 community members spoke during the April 19 two-hour forum. All comments were heard and appreciated! Community members are encouraged to get current information regarding funding and phasing from the Lake Effect FAQ and the Civitas presentation.
On May 3, the City Council will vote on a resolution about moving forward on the Lake Effect.”
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It was standing room only at the Wayzata City Council meeting on April 19th, as citizens packed the room to give feedback.
A packed house at the Wayzata City Council meeting on April 19th, 2016. While there was broad support for the Lake Effect, many residents asked the Council and the City to prioritize the projects. As an example the boardwalk was generally supported by the majority, while the reconfiguration of the lagoon did not have much support from the community.
You can read Kelly Smith’s take on the meeting at the Star Tribune here, and also watch the video on Wayzata Community Television.
Have some thoughts you want to share? Post in the comments or send me an email at dan@wayzata.com.
The proposed boardwalk rendering being considered as part of the Lake Effect. Credit: Civitas. Sponsored by: Wayzata Real Estate, for all of your property buying and selling needs in 55391 and School District #284. By the way, know someone ready to buy or sell? I’m never too busy for your referrals! Dan (952) 473-1000.
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