Wayzata, MN – The Wayzata Planning Commission has voted to recommend approval of Lake West Development’s proposal to redevelop the long-vacant TCF Bank site at 200 Lake Street East, with a key condition: the building’s massing breaks must be brought into compliance with city design standards.
At a well-attended public hearing on March 18, commissioners reviewed detailed presentations from city staff and the development team, heard from nearby residents and community members, and deliberated over the plan’s merits and areas of concern.
A New Vision for a Prominent Site
Developer Curt Fretham, owner of Lake West Development, opened the presentation by acknowledging the long road to this moment. “Although this development approval process has been lengthy,” Fretham said, “we remain enthusiastic about this redevelopment.”
Landmark Wayzata. Image courtesy Lake West Development.
Kelsey Thompson, Development Director for Lake West, emphasized the project’s goal of revitalizing a blighted property with a vibrant, mixed-use design. “This building has been sitting vacant for over half a decade,” Thompson said. “It’s full of mold and beyond reasonable repair. This project transforms that blighted property into a place where people can gather, interact, and enjoy Wayzata’s charm.”
The proposed development—called Landmark Wayzata—includes 50 condominium units, first-floor commercial space, underground and surface parking, public parks, covered viewing plazas, and significant environmental remediation. It exceeds open space requirements and integrates stormwater infrastructure to protect Lake Minnetonka.
Staff Report: Project Complies—With One Exception
Planner Val Quarles outlined the city’s staff report, noting that the project complies with zoning, density, and design requirements—except for two of the five proposed massing breaks. While the design includes five ground-level openings along the building’s 760-foot length, staff determined that only three provide the clear public views from the street to Lake Minnetonka as required by city code.
“Our code asks for massing breaks to offer views from the public street,” Quarles explained. “Two of these breaks—between cores A2 and A3 and between A3 and A4—do not meet that standard, primarily due to overbuild above the openings.”
These massing breaks, Quarles noted, are intended not only for aesthetics but to provide visual and potential physical access to the lake from the downtown core.
Public Weighs In
During the public hearing, attorney Darren Knight, representing the Zitzloff Condominiums across the street at 201 East Lake Street, urged the Commission to require all five massing breaks to be open from ground to sky.
“This building spans two full city blocks,” Knight said. “We believe the city’s design standards should apply consistently. Our development across the street had to meet these same expectations.”
A proposed massing break with condos built over top. Image courtesy Lake West Development.
In contrast, Kevin Sullivan and Michelle White, representing the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, spoke in favor of the project. They expressed interest in collaborating with the developer and city on commemorative public art installations timed with the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
“We think it would be fantastic for Wayzata to represent Minnesota in this national initiative,” Sullivan said.
Commission Deliberates and Seeks Compromise
Commissioners praised the architectural quality, walkability, and creativity of the design but agreed with staff that the two massing breaks in question must be revised. Several emphasized that ground-to-sky breaks are necessary not only for views of the lake but for maintaining Wayzata’s small-town character.
“One long facade from end to end doesn’t meet the intent of our design standards,” one commissioner noted. “Those breaks bring light, sky, and a sense of openness. They’re essential.”
After confirming that the rest of the application—including density, shoreline impact, parking, and tree preservation—met city requirements, the Commission crafted a motion.
Unanimous Vote with Key Condition
The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning amendment, concept plan, general plan, and related permits—with the condition that the two noncompliant massing breaks be redesigned to comply fully with city code.
“This is a beautiful, thoughtful project,” said one commissioner. “It will revitalize the west end of Lake Street. But we have to get the massing breaks right.”
The recommendation will now move forward to the Wayzata City Council for review and final consideration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Ribbon cutting ceremony at Crew Car Wash. Image courtesy Wayzata Chamber.
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.
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.
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 the Promenade commenced litigation over rental rates and occupancy by other first class tenants within the commercial shopping development.
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.
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.
CCX Media’s Kevin Miller reports on the purchase of the office building.
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.
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.
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
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!
Neighborhood meeting scheduled for Monday, April 24th from 5:15 – 6:30pm at Wayzata City Hall
Lake West Development is proposing redevelopment at 200 East Lake Street. Courtesy Hobbs + Black Architecture.
Developer Curt Fretham and his company Lake West Development have submitted another application to redevelop the former TCF headquarters site located at 200 East Lake Street in Wayzata.
The public has been invited to a neighborhood meeting on Monday April 24th, from 5:15 – 6:30pm at City Hall.
Other anticipated dates include: Monday, May 1, 6:30pm – Planning Commission public hearing Monday, May 15, 6:30pm – Planning Commission consent agenda Tuesday, June 6, 7:00pm – City Council
Lake West Development is proposing redevelopment at 200 East Lake Street. Courtesy Hobbs + Black Architecture.Lake West Development is proposing redevelopment at 200 East Lake Street. Courtesy Hobbs + Black Architecture.Lake West Development is proposing redevelopment at 200 East Lake Street. Courtesy Hobbs + Black Architecture.
More information can be found on the City of Wayzata’s website including a full copy of the application.
Stay tuned to Wayzata.com for more real estate news.
The iconic building will be open to the public for this event, which includes heavy appetizers, a hosted bar, and live music from local sensation PowerTap and Chris Kroeze, who performed on the NBC hit show The Voice.
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The event is dedicated to building brighter features and supporting the local community. All proceeds from ticket sales, which are $100 per person, will go towards helping homelessness, housing, and food insecurity in the community through the charity IOCP.
“We are thrilled to open up this building to the community for this exciting event,” said Curt Frethem, CEO of Lake West Development. “Not only will attendees have the opportunity to enjoy a night of live music and delicious food, but they will also be making a direct impact on the lives of those in need in our community. We encourage everyone to come out and support this important cause.”
Don’t miss this can’t-miss community event! Purchase your tickets today and be a part of something truly special.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit IOCP.ORG/2023.
About Lake West Development
Lake West Development are innovative developers, approaching properties from an unconventional angle, looking to add value to the property and surrounding neighborhood. We make welcome improvements to the Minnesota communities in which we work and live.
About Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP)
Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP) mission is To strengthen our community by meeting basic needs and equipping individuals and families for ongoing stability.
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