Tag: One Wayzata

One Wayzata would replace previously approved memory-care facility with 14 privately owned senior condominiums

The Wayzata City Council unanimously granted another one-year extension Tuesday for a long-delayed senior living project in the Holdridge neighborhood, allowing its developers additional time to pursue a substantially revised ownership and care model.

The council adopted Resolution 30-2026, extending zoning approvals for One Wayzata through March 7, 2027. The project, previously known as Harbors of Wayzata and Cantissimo, is planned for 1405 Holdridge Terrace and 15419 and 15429 Wayzata Boulevard East.

The original proposal received city approval in March 2023 as a 42-unit memory-care facility. Developers now plan to retain the same general building footprint while reconfiguring the interior into 14 larger, privately owned senior condominiums offering access to in-home health care services.

Rather than leasing an apartment in a traditional senior living facility, residents would own their units while receiving care through The Waters, according to materials submitted to the city.

Project partner Todd Holmers told the council that the change followed conversations with prospective residents who were interested in purchasing rather than leasing their homes. The developers subsequently began working through condominium association documents, budgets, licensing requirements and interior redesigns.

The proposed units are being marketed as luxury residences with concierge-style services and varying levels of senior care.

Project representative Kyle Didier said the ownership structure is unusual but that the team has worked with care providers and legal advisers to ensure the building can meet licensing and building-code requirements associated with assisted living.

“I’m a big believer that this is a game changer,” Didier said.

Developers told the council that the building would be designed to support residents as their care needs increase, although they could not guarantee that every resident would be able to remain in the building under every medical circumstance.

Another Extension for a 2023 Approval

The project has received several extensions since its initial approval.

The council first approved the planned unit development, rezoning, plat, variance and design review in March 2023. Extensions followed in February 2024 and March 2025.

In February, the applicant requested another full-year extension but did not attend the council meeting to answer questions. Council members instead approved a 120-day extension, moving the expiration date to July 5 and directing the development team to return with more information.

City staff described the latest request as the project’s fourth extension.

An incomplete application outlining possible changes to the planned unit development was submitted in late March. Community Development Director Alex Sharpe said the materials did not contain enough information for staff to determine whether the revised design remains consistent with the city’s existing approvals.

Changes under consideration include revised exterior elevations and additional private garages.

The applicant told the council that complete renderings and supporting materials are expected to be submitted within the next 30 to 60 days. If the changes are not consistent with the approved planned unit development, additional city review and a formal amendment may be required.

Council Expresses Support and Caution

Council members generally remained supportive of the proposed senior housing use, while acknowledging concerns about the length of time that has passed without construction.

Council member Molly MacDonald said the project continues to address a community need and recalled that surrounding residents had been supportive when the original proposal was reviewed.

Council member Ken Sorensen said he believed the development could become an asset to Wayzata but expressed some skepticism about whether it would ultimately move forward after several years of delays and limited communication with city staff.

Council member Alex Plechash, who opposed the shorter extension approved in February, said his earlier objection was largely based on the applicant’s absence from that meeting. After hearing the presentation Tuesday, he said he was intrigued by the new business model and supported giving the development additional time.

The extension preserves the existing zoning approvals, but the developer must still submit complete plans, obtain the necessary city reviews and move the project toward construction before the approvals expire next March.

In his June 3 extension request, Holmers said the development team had begun marketing the residences and had a waiting list of interested Wayzata residents.

“Upon our first few deposits, we can commence construction, likely this summer,” Holmers stated.

The council also discussed a neighbor’s concerns about dead and fallen trees on the property. The applicant agreed to continue cleaning up the site and remove additional dead trees during the summer. Mayor Andrew Mullin noted that the cleanup commitment was entered into the meeting record but was not made a formal condition of the extension.