Neighbors supportive, but Council calls for design refinements before next phase
The Wayzata City Council voted 3–2 on Tuesday, July 1, to approve a concept plan for a boutique Lamborghini dealership at 1022 and 1042 Wayzata Boulevard East. While the project drew support from adjacent neighbors and some council members, others raised concerns about its numerous design variances and compatibility with the city’s long-term vision for the Wayzata Boulevard corridor.
A Boutique, Not a Traditional Dealership
Walser Automotive Group is proposing a small, appointment-based dealership that would sell just 50 Lamborghinis per year—most already spoken for. According to Paul Walser, who addressed the council personally, “We get a total of 50 Lamborghinis a year, and those are all pre-sold… You’re never sitting there with a lot of inventory.” He described the operation as “boutique,” with only 7 to 9 employees on site and a quiet, low-traffic atmosphere. “This is not your typical dealership,” he said.
The plan includes a new 7,845-square-foot showroom and service facility, plus a partial renovation of the existing Mulberrys dry cleaner building. That dry cleaner—currently under a long-term lease—was a point of uncertainty. Walser admitted conversations were ongoing, with Lamborghini corporate expressing hesitation about sharing the site with another use. “It’s possible the dry cleaner stays, or the site is revised to remove it,” he said.
A Tight Site with Big Constraints
The 0.88-acre parcel presents significant challenges. A steep grade change, existing retaining walls, pre-existing access points, and legacy structures have made design compliance difficult. The applicant requested multiple variances—including for parking setbacks, driveway spacing, sidewalk width, and landscape buffers. Several parking stalls would encroach into the front yard, which violates current zoning standards.
City staff and the Planning Commission acknowledged these difficulties. The Planning Commission voted 4–2 in June to recommend approval of the concept plan, with the understanding that future stages would require more detailed submissions and public input.
Public Support from Adjacent Neighbors
At the July 1 council meeting, two nearby residents spoke strongly in favor of the project.
Gordy Straka, who lives directly behind the site, praised Walser’s willingness to meet with neighbors and address concerns. “They’ve been very good with working with the neighborhood… they said no used cars, no high lights. So far they’ve been super to us.”
Greg Hogland, owner of a multifamily building immediately south of the site, echoed those sentiments—and added that the project could finally address a long-standing stormwater problem that’s plagued his property since the 1930s. “No matter what you put there—whether it’s a medical building or a dentist office—the traffic counts are going to be higher than a Lamborghini dealership,” he said. “It’s a perfect fit.”
Mixed Reactions from Council
Council deliberation reflected the tension between neighborhood support and citywide design priorities.
Councilmember Jeff Parkhill supported the plan, citing the dealership’s low volume and the potential to bring vitality to a long-vacant site. “I think this is a great use of the property,” he said. He noted, however, that the applicant should reduce variances and improve the landscape and pedestrian experience before the next phase.
Councilmember Ken Sorensen agreed. “The media neighbors are supporting this. That really hasn’t been the case in the past,” he said, referencing prior unsuccessful proposals at the site, including a car wash and a drive-through coffee shop. He emphasized that this was only a concept plan and encouraged Walser to refine key details moving forward.
Mayor Andrew Mullin cast the deciding vote in favor. “This is a difficult and tricky site. I think the PUD [Planned Unit Development] gives us the flexibility we need,” he said. He urged the applicant to improve sidewalk conditions, signage design, and landscaping before returning with a formal General Plan.
But not all council members were convinced.
Councilmember Molly MacDonald voted no, citing the “sheer quantity” of variances and a lack of alignment with Wayzata’s design standards. “We now have an opportunity to make [this site] comply with our vision for Wayzata and Wayzata Boulevard,” she said.
Councilmember Alex Plechash agreed, saying the proposal “goes against the community values like walkability and landscaping.” He expressed discomfort approving a plan that lacked basic buffers, sidewalk standards, or clarity about signage and site layout.
Approval with Caution
The motion to approve Resolution 21-2025 passed on a 3–2 vote, with Parkhill, Sorensen, and Mullin voting in favor, and MacDonald and Plechash opposed. The concept plan now allows Walser to proceed to the next step: submitting a full PUD General Plan, which will require stormwater plans, landscape details, final architecture, and more comprehensive variance justifications.
Council members and staff made clear that future approvals will depend on substantial improvements. “I hope the applicant takes to heart some of the comments that you heard here tonight,” said Mayor Mullin, “and brings forward the best version of this project in alignment with the community’s expectations.”
Wayzata.com will continue following the project through its next planning phases.
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