Tag: Lake Street

James J. Hills Days Complete Schedule for 2022

August 29th, 2022

All Aboard! Lake Minnetonka’s Largest 3-day Festival Moving Full Steam Ahead!

The whistle’s blowing and the 47th Annual James J. Hill Days is just around the bend, coming September 9, 10 & 11 to the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata.

The proud residents, businesses and community of this small town will roll out the welcome mat for 75,000 guests over three jam-packed days of exciting events.

James J. Hill Days in Wayzata. There’s Something for Everyone!

From Engine to Caboose, There’s Something For Everyone!

Friday, September 9th, 2022

We kick off the weekend with LIVE MUSIC & STREET DANCE featuring Viva Knievel from 6 – 10 pm. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes, grab a beverage from the Beer + Wine Tent and tell your friends to meet you at the Sandvold Stage off of Minnetonka/Lake St.! Our live music line-up is one to celebrate.

For the BEER LOVERS, get your tickets to RAILS & ALES CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL. This year’s line-up is stacked! Enjoy unlimited samples from 20 breweries, live music by the Billboard-charting Avey Grouws Band, and some casual games to wind down from the week (5-9 PM).

Step Right Up! The Lake Minnetonka CARNIVAL (5-10 pm) will be in full force with ride after ride offering fun for all ages. Purchase presale discounted tickets at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata. Also available at the gate.

Lake Minnetonka Carnival at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.

You can test out your LOGROLLING skills throughout the weekend starting Friday (5 – 9 pm) and into Saturday (10 – 7 pm), and Sunday (10 – 4 pm). Experienced rollers will provide instruction and encouragement to any interested participant. Check it out!

Logrolling event at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.

Be sure to check out the full line-up of activities added to the weekend including the outdoor NIGHT MARKET. Shop local vendors (5-9 PM), enjoy food trucks along Lake Street under the twinkling lights. A perfect end to summer.

Foodtrucks at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.

Saturday, September 10th, 2022

Find that special something as you SHOP 150+ VENDORS (10 am–7 pm) at the open air street market. Sip and stroll from 20 food trucks, beer + wine tents, or grab a fresh lemonade as the CARNIVAL continues all day Saturday (10 am–10 pm).

Attention dog lovers, this one’s for you! Grab a hot dog and watch wiener dogs race, jump hurdles and dress up in costume at the ever-popular DACHSHUND RACES (12 pm). BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) and get ready for your close-up as you pose for pictures with your pup in the DOGGY KISSING BOOTH (10 am).

Dachshund races. Submited photo.

New puppy or want to brush up your dog’s training? Drop-in to an ONSITE OBEDIENCE CLASS (9:30 am). Enjoy pupperific treats and register to win pup-tastic prizes from our sponsors (10 am – 2 pm). If cute animals are your thing, make sure to stop by our Lovin’ Llama Experience to take selfies and share hugs with the Llama Squad (12 pm – 4 pm).

SHOCKWAVES WATER SKI SHOW team will bring the fun on Saturday (3 pm – 4 pm) on Wayzata Bay. The Shockwaves’ performers do pyramids, ballet, barefooting, jumping, and more. You won’t want to miss their show!

Shockwaves Waterski Show. Submitted photo.

Take a break from all the activities and enjoy incredible FREE LIVE MUSIC, dancing and fireworks! The Sandvold Stage will feature local band favorites including – Stereo Kitchen, Pandora’s Other Box, Powertap, Sam Graber, and Wayzata Symphony Orchestra (10 am-10 pm).

The Sandvold Stage will have live music all day long. Submitted photo.

Bring the kids to the Great Lawn to catch a MOVIE ON THE LAWN (7:30 pm) hosted by Wayzata Sailing. Enjoy the sweet story of Disney Pixar’s ‘Luca’ and stick around for the WAYZATA BAY FIREWORKS (8:45 pm) bursting over Wayzata Bay in celebration of all the fun.

Wayzata Bay Fireworks at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.

Sunday, September 11th, 2022

If you haven’t noticed, it’s all about the dogs in Wayzata. So, you and your pup are challenged to join the DOGGY OLYMPICS! Bring your pup and participate in a series of engaging games that will show off your pup’s skills and earn the winners pup-tastic prizes (12 pm – 2 pm). Is your doggo the adventurous type? Try PADDLEBOARDING WITH YOUR DOG (11 am – 1 pm). Get some quality time at the MEET & GREET WITH WAYZATA K9 OFFICER LOKI (11:30 am – 12 pm).

September 11, 2022 marks the 21st Anniversary of 9/11. We invite you to spend time at the 9.11 MEMORIAL on the Panoway throughout the day. The space offers community members a place to remember and reflect. The 9/11 memorial honors our community members lost and the lives of all victims of the Sept. 11th attacks.

Other activities special to Sunday, include the T-6 THUNDER AIRSHOW a fascinating display of WWII planes swiftly flying over Lake Street and Wayzata Bay (2:45 pm).

Air show. Submitted photo.

The same afternoon features the hometown PARADE (3 pm). Special thanks to all the sponsors who keep this event on the tracks. We will see you at James J. Hill Days!

Lake Minnetonka Carnival. Submitted photo.

MAJOR SPONSORS: Sandvold Financial Group, RE/MAX Results, BNSF Railway, Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata, Youngstedts, River Valley Power & Sport, 6Smith, Polaris Adventures, Icon Aircraft, THN Enterprises

SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Guaranteed Rate – Chris Carr Team, Ulrich Real Estate/Regency Homes, Colonial Square/Regency Centers, Maison Realty Group, JomsVikings, Northwestern Mutual, The International School of Minnesota, The Brost Clinic, Renewal by Andersen, Mediacom, Wings Financial Credit Union, New Spaces Design-Build-Remodel, Coldwell Banker Realty, Maveriiick Lead Generation, Trails of Orono.

Visit JamesJHillDays.com for details, tickets, and more information.
All activities located on/near Lake Street, Downtown Wayzata.
Severe storms roll through metro (video)

August 27th, 2022

Wayzata residents and visitors were treated to heavy rains, gusting winds and lightning on Saturday evening around 9pm. Other parts of the metro such as Lakeville were under Tornado Warnings for a short period of time.

Watch the video below for our man (and daughter) on the street impressions of the storm. Stay tuned to Wayzata.com for more news, weather and sports!

East Lake Street in Wayzata. Video Dan Gustafson.
Panoway boardwalk, docks, & Section Foreman design approved

August 17th, 2022

The council approved the design of the Panoway boardwalk, docks and Section Foreman House renovation by a 4-1 vote on Tuesday.

Proposed Wayzata Boardwalk. Image courtesy City of Wayzata.

Phase 2a and 2b of the project will now move for the construction design step in the process. This is where city staff and its consultants will fine tune the details of the project, including a cost estimate, before putting the project out to bid.

Jessica Houlihan, founder of development consulting firm Onyx Strategic Partners, outlined the timeline of what is to come. Her expectation is construction design will be finished to return in front of council by December. Once the designs are approved, the project will go out to bid. After a contractor is chosen, construction could begin as soon as March 2023.

Panoway on Wayzata Bay Phase 2 Schedule, courtesy City of Wayzata.

“We walked all the way through the schedule with one firm and it’s about a six month project,” Houlihan said. “We should be done in the fall.”

Phase 2a, the boardwalk and shoreline, carries a $6.78 million budget while the docks are estimated at $770,000. The budget for the Section Foreman House, Phase 2b, is $1.27 million.

The city has secured $4 million in bond funding for the project. It will draw an estimated $2.62 million from tax increment financing and the remaining portion is slated to come from private or ‘other’ sources. The Wayzata Conservancy has pledged funding for the Section Foreman House, which it is currently fundraising for, as well.

Wayzata Section Foreman House. Image Dan Gustafson.

“What we’ve done is plan for the maintenance and operations for 10 years,” said city manager Jeff Dahl. “The Wayzata Conservancy, to decrease the burden on the city, have agreed to fund maintenance and operations for the remainder of the project so taxpayers of Wayzata won’t be burdened with that.”

According to community development director Emily Goellner, the conservancy has raised about $250,000 for the Section Foreman House and will also pay for construction design plans for that part of the project.

Proposed Section Foreman House. Image courtesy Cushing Terrell.

Councilor Cathy Iverson was the lone council member to vote against approving the design.

“Can we feel confident telling the residents this will not be a tax burden,” Iverson said. “I have a lot of concerns about how it’s going to be paid for.”

Advertisement. Lake Minnetonka Real Estate.

Mayor Johanna Mouton noted a better picture of the costs will not come until after construction design is completed. Councilor Alex Plechash said he also had reservations about the funding, but not enough for him to vote against the design. The mayor and other members of the council said they were comfortable with the funding sources.

“We’ve been steadfast that we would not levy the taxpayers of Wayzata to pay for this,” Mouton said. “We have not done so.”

Baja Haus outdoor patio approved

The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a seasonal outdoor patio at Baja Haus, 830 E. Lake Street.

Applicant and co-owner Josh Friedt said his restaurant’s temporary outdoor patio was helpful for his business during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020-21.

“To me it was a huge success,” Friedt said. “I don’t want to say it saved my business but it was definitely a big help.”

The request was to use four parking spaces outside of the restaurant for a temporary pergola. Inside it would fit eight tables seating four each. The patio would be used from May to October. When not in use, the space would be opened back up for parking.

“The people I spoke to that used the outdoor patio during the pandemic really loved it,” Iverson said. “I only heard positive things from the community.”

Former Wayzata Texaco Site

The council also approved a lot combination, comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning of two parcels at 1022 E. Wayzata Blvd.

These parcels were discussed for development in front of the council in April with the proposal of adding a drive thru coffee business. The property is home to a gas station which is no longer in use. To the south, there is a small residential parcel which is considered difficult to develop because of its size and location.

The rezoning of the property changes the newly combined parcel to a C-3 property for retail use.

The planning commission unanimously recommended approval and the council voted 4-1 in favor.
Planning commision recommends denial on TCF redevelopment

February 8th, 2022

Potential third time development plans fail

The Wayzata Planning Commission recommended city staff to draft a denial of a proposed redevelopment concept for the TCF headquarters property on Lake Street on Monday.
This is the third time Lakewest Development has come before the commission to present plans for redeveloping the property at 200 E. Lake Street. In 2020, it presented plans to convert the existing TCF Bank into condominiums and construct new residential buildings.

TCF Building in Wayzata. Photo Dan Gustafson.

In 2021, it returned to the commission with a plan to demolish the TCF building and construct two new residential buildings.After the previous two denials, the developer took feedback from the commission as well as the public through a neighborhood meeting in January.

The new plan discussed Monday included an underground mechanical parking system, 32 condominiums and retail space. There would also be pocket parks on the property, and 25-foot facade breaks every 150 feet. The development would include two buildings, referred to as east and west buildings or ‘building A’ and ‘building B’.

Approval of the plan would have required a zoning amendment to the existing planned urban development to create a new PUD district, design standards deviations and a shoreland impact plan study.Consultant Eric Zweber said 66-percent of the parking under the east building is beneath groundwater elevation, as well as 17-percent of the west building’s parking.

More than 100 pages of public comments were received, with many of them noting concern over tearing down the TCF building, losing views of the lake, the proximity of the redevelopment near the BNSF railroad tracks and increases in traffic. There was also a petition which received more than 400 signatures from residents and 1100 signatures in total in about a week opposing the development plans.

200 Lake Street East – Proposed Site. Image courtesy Lakewest Development.

Curt Fretham, chief manager of Lakewest Development, said his development team has tried to be creative to meet requirements in the city’s design standards and comprehensive plan.

“We did that,” Fretham said of a number of changes his team was asked to make. “You asked us in initial meetings to reduce mass, provide more open space. You asked us in other words to make it smaller. You also asked us to increase density or in other words, make it bigger. We’ve been asked to do a lot of things. And we have been accepting and approving of those asks. All we really want to do is use our property in a reasonable manner.”

The applicant had several consultants discuss the concept further, addressing how the mechanical parking system works, the traffic impact of the new residential and commercial space and the architectural design.

“We’re frankly surprised, given all the consultants they brought tonight, they did not do a railroad study,” said Kendra Lindahl during the public forum. “It’s not that it could happen. It has happened.”

Lindahl referenced a train derailment which struck another site along the railroad corridor, though commissioner Peggy Douglas corrected that it did not happen on the site in question. The south side of the property is marked by the railroad tracks about 25-feet from the proposed building.

Lindahl asked what value this development would bring to the city, which Brad Hoyt echoed. Hoyt is the owner of Ventana Apartments.

“This building is only 35 years old. It’s not even depreciated yet,” he said. “My view is the project is already reasonably developed and should remain in its state.”

Lindsay Bashioum, who previously served on the planning commission, said the commission got it right the first two times it denied development plans.

“There’s no public benefit that isn’t already there,” Bashioum said.

The commission thanked the applicant for coming forward with a new concept for a third time, remarking on some of the things they liked about the new plans. They also said many of their concerns remain.

“This does not depict the charm of a lakeside community,” Douglas said. “I’m worried about the precedent for future development.”

“I think it’s too big to be charming,” Commissioner Jeff Parkhill added.

Commissioner Ken Sorenson motioned to direct staff to draft a denial of application. Commissioner Jennifer Severson seconded and the commission voted unanimously in favor of denial.

The property is listed with Cushman & Wakefield.

Wayzata’s Lake Street Starbucks To Close Oct. 23

October 7th, 2020

Staff have confirmed that the Starbucks on Lake Street will close Friday, Oct. 23.

Starbucks, 740 E. Lake Street, Wayzata

There were no details given as to why the store is closing.

This specific store was temporarily closed in late August after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

Inquiries with Starbucks’ corporate media relations team have not been answered.

A petition to try to save the store from being closed is hanging on the store’s bulletin board.

Lake Street Construction Update: Landscaping, Splash Pad, Street Reopening

August 23rd, 2020
Stahl Construction estimates that Wayzata’s Lake Street will be completely open by Sept. 11.

Looking west from the Lake Street Plaza Park, Courtesy City of Wayzata

This week along Lake Street you’ll see Stahl crews working on the following:
- Installing the precast seat walls
- Landscaping and tree planting
- Restroom building interior
- Metal panel layout and install for restroom building
- Install sod and rock near restroom building
- Pouring the concrete for the splash pad
- Completing shade structure install
Beyond this week, Stahl projects the following items to be completed by the following dates:
- Pave bike trail 8/31/2020
- Pave base course from Barry to Manitoba 9/7/2020
- Pave wear course from Broadway to Barry 9/8/2020
- Stripe Lake street and bike trail 9/9/2020-9/10/2020
- Open lake street completely 9/11/2020
- Plaza area open to the public 9/11/2020
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August 17, 2020

Lake Street Plaza Park Open To Public

The Lake Street Plaza Park, a part of the Lake Street construction project, has been opened to the public.

It is located adjacent to CōV Restaurant.

According to the city of Wayzata, work continues on landscaping and plant installation, sidewalk and concrete pavement construction, irrigation and lighting systems.

READ MORE

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August 8, 2020

Lake Street Plaza Bathroom Becomes Town Talker

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.

READ MORE

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August 2, 2020

Portion Of Lake Street Closed Monday – Wednesday 6a – 5p

According to Stahl Construction, the 600 block of Lake Street in Wayzata will be closed from 6 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

The closure will allow the completion of planter bed landscaping.

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August 1, 2020

Panoway Plaza Work Behind Schedule

As Phase 1 of the Panoway Project moves forward, portions of the work have fallen behind schedule.

The work on the plaza outside of CōV restaurant is one section of that construction.

READ MORE

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June 21, 2020

$10M For Wayzata Lake Effect Doesn’t Make Special Session Cut

As new asphalt paved the way along Lake Street as part of the Panoway (Lake Effect) Project Phase 1, a $10 million request for Phase 2 stalled at the state Capitol.

A week-long special session ended Saturday morning with many items still on the table.

One of these includes a bonding bill.

But even if legislators passed a bonding bill, both the House version, HF107, and the Senate version, SF4, did not include the $10 million the city of Wayzata had asked for.

This is the second time Wayzata’s request did not make the cut.

READ MORE

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March 26, 2020

Wayzata City Council Moving Forward With Panoway Lake Street Project, Construction Begins Monday

The Wayzata City Council decided to continue moving forward with the Panoway Lake Street construction project at a special emergency workshop meeting on Thursday, March 26.

Construction will begin Monday, March 30.

READ MORE
Lake Street Plaza Park Open To Public

August 17th, 2020

The Lake Street Plaza Park, a part of the Lake Street construction project, has been opened to the public.

Wayzata.com – August 16, 2020

It is located adjacent to CōV Restaurant.

Wayzata.com – August 16, 2020

According to the city of Wayzata, work continues on landscaping and plant installation, sidewalk and concrete pavement construction, irrigation and lighting systems.

Eastbound Lake Street will remain closed to allow the contractors access to the new Plaza Park area.

Meanwhile, Lake Street, between Ferndale Road and Barry Avenue is open to motorists in both directions and to pedestrians on the south side of Lake Street.

According to Stahl Construction, this week crews will continue to work on the interior of the plaza bathroom, and begin installing precast seat walls.

Stahl projects that it will begin to pour the concrete for a splash pad that will be located across from Ben & Jerry’s next week.

Read previous Lake Street construction stories here.
Paving Of Wayzata’s Lake Street Begins

June 14th, 2020
Construction crews began paving the 600 block of Wayzata’s Lake Street Monday.

Crews have been busy recently pouring concrete sidewalks and curbs in that area.

According to the city and Stahl Construction, the following are some of the construction highlights for this week (June 15 – June 19):
- Pave Lake Street from Broadway to Walker
- Open one-way westbound traffic from Broadway to Walker
- Begin installing the planting beds and top soils between Barry and Ferndale.
- Install lighting and bases at Broadway and at the Cov plaza.
- Pave the plaza at Cov.
- Install sidewalks and planting curbs at the plaza.
The construction is a part of the Panoway on Wayzata Bay (Lake Effect) Project Phase 1.
A Plaza Park will replace a surface parking lot at Lake Street and Broadway Avenue.

The city allocated roughly $9 million toward the first phase of the project.

RELATED CONTENT: Construction Work Begins On Wayzata’s Lake Street

It recently used $25,000 of a contingency fund to speed up the project and pay overtime for construction workers.

RELATED CONTENT: City of Wayzata Introduces Lake Effect Construction Manager Stahl Construction

Panoway on Wayzata Bay (Lake Effect) Background

In February of 2011, the city council appointed a Lakefront Task Force to research and provide a recommendation for the future of the City’s lakefront.

The city council adopted the Report of the Wayzata Lakefront Taskforce in January of 2012.

In March of 2014, the city council adopted the Wayzata Lakefront Final Framework Report.

Wayzata selected Civitas as the design team for the Lake Effect Signature Park schematic design in September of 2015.

On December 15, 2016, the city council approved an agreement with the Lake Effect Conservancy as a part of Resolution 29-2016 which defined the scope of the Lake Effect Project and its next steps.

That agreement states that the Conservancy will actively raise Private and Philanthropic Funding.

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RELATED CONTENT: $10M For Wayzata Lake Effect Not In Failed Senate Bonding Bill

RELATED CONTENT: Despite COVID-19 Expenses, State Bonding Bill Moving Forward, Wayzata’s $10M Ask Still On Table

RELATED CONTENT: Construction Work Begins On Wayzata’s Lake Street

RELATED CONTENT: City of Wayzata Introduces Lake Effect Construction Manager Stahl Construction

RELATED CONTENT: Business Feedback On Lake Street Development Discussed

RELATED CONTENT: Gov. Walz Recommends $10M for Wayzata Lake Effect

Restrictions On Wayzata Bars, Restaurants Loosened This Week

June 7th, 2020

On Wednesday, June 10, restaurants can begin offering indoor dining while maintaining social distancing, requiring reservations, and seating no more than 50 percent occupancy.

Grocer’s Table Patio

Meanwhile, gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, and martial arts may open at 25 percent capacity.

Indoor entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, can open at 25 percent capacity.
Recreational indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, arcades, and museums may open at 25 percent capacity.

Personal services, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and barbershops, may increase occupancy rates to 50 percent while requiring reservations.

Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, concerts, and theaters may open at 25 percent capacity.

Places of worship can increase occupancy rates to 50 percent.

Indoor social gatherings can take place with 10 people or less; outdoor social gatherings can take place with 25 people or less.

“Thanks to your dedication, we are now in a position to carefully turn the dial toward reopening society,” Gov. Tim Walz said. “As we move forward, it is more important than ever that we each do our part as we trust and rely on each other to keep our state safe.”

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RELATED CONTENT: Wayzata Churches Using Caution When Considering Reopening

RELATED CONTENT: Wayzata Declares Local Emergency

Portion Of Lake Street To Open ‘Over Next Few Weeks’

May 23rd, 2020

If you venture downtown Wayzata, you can’t help but notice the construction underway on Lake Street.

WayzataLive.com

This is a part of the Panoway on Wayzata Bay (Lake Effect) Project Phase 1.

Right now, part of it looks like a sandbox (as you can see on the WayzataLive.com web cam), but soon it will transform into something different.

A Plaza Park will replace a surface parking lot at Lake Street and Broadway Avenue.

The Panoway Project is currently in Phase 4B.

Courtesy City of Wayzata

The big question now – when will the project be complete and when will Lake Street open again?

“Full completion is later this summer,” said Wayzata City Manager Jeff Dahl. “We are hopeful, however, to open up the 600 block sidewalk and street to pedestrian and vehicular traffic over the next few weeks.”

The city allocated roughly $9 million toward the first phase of the project.

It recently used $25,000 of a contingency fund to speed up the project and pay overtime for construction workers.

“This will be primarily used to work longer days during the work week as well as on Saturdays,” said Dahl. “We hope that we will gain a week’s worth of work so we can get out of the way even quicker, so our business can get back up and running.”

“We are grateful for the patience and support of the local community and the City as we continue to build momentum on the Panoway Project,” said Jessie Houlihan, President of Stahl Construction.

On Monday, retail businesses in Wayzata were allowed to open with restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz released plans to reopen restaurants.

He stated that restaurants can open for outdoor sit-down dining beginning on June 1.

There must be six feet between customers. Staff must wear masks. Max capacity is 50 people. Restaurant reservations are required.

“As people venture out and doors open, we hope everyone safely ventures out to support their local businesses,” said Houlihan. “When you do so, please stay mindful of pedestrian and directional signage indicating the available routes.”

Panoway on Wayzata Bay (Lake Effect) Background

In February of 2011, the city council appointed a Lakefront Task Force to research and provide a recommendation for the future of the City’s lakefront.

The city council adopted the Report of the Wayzata Lakefront Taskforce in January of 2012.

In March of 2014, the city council adopted the Wayzata Lakefront Final Framework Report.

Wayzata selected Civitas as the design team for the Lake Effect Signature Park schematic design in September of 2015.

On December 15, 2016, the city council approved an agreement with the Lake Effect Conservancy as a part of Resolution 29-2016 which defined the scope of the Lake Effect Project and its next steps.

That agreement states that the Conservancy will actively raise Private and Philanthropic Funding.

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