On the shores of Lake Minnetonka and Wayzata Bay, the Section Foreman House stands as a quiet reminder of the town’s rich railroad history. Built in 1902, the house served as the residence for the railroad’s section foreman, whose job was to maintain the tracks that once powered Wayzata’s growth. From this humble home, the foreman and his crew would oversee inspections and repairs, ensuring that the trains connecting Wayzata to the wider world ran smoothly.
Now, this historic structure has been added to National Registry of Historic Places, and is set to be revitalized as part of Phase 3 of the Panoway Project which is a multi-year effort to enhance Wayzata’s waterfront. The upcoming renovation aims to preserve the house as a symbol of Wayzata’s industrial heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its role in shaping the town. The Section Foreman House will continue to stand watch over Wayzata Bay, linking the past with the future.
The vandalism was discovered on Thursday, August 29, when police were alerted that the glass artifact, which was inlaid on top of the granite memorial, had been smashed. However, based on evidence found at the scene, police believe the artifact was not destroyed but forcefully removed and stolen. Only a small glass fragment was left behind.
The photo on the left shows the memorial without glass, and the photo on the right shows the memorial with glass. Submitted photos.
The 9/11 memorial was dedicated on September 11, 2021, in honor of Gordon “Gordy” McCannel Aamoth Jr., a Wayzata native who died during the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. The glass artifact, recovered from the rubble at Ground Zero near Aamoth’s remains, was brought to Minnesota by a New York City police officer and given to Aamoth’s classmate, Steve Nilson, who eulogized him during the memorial dedication.
People at the 9/11 Memorial. Copyright Wayzata.com.Rose petals have been placed on the memorial. Copyright Wayzata.com.9/11 Memorial on Panoway Plaza. Copyright Wayzata.com.9/11 Memorial on Panoway Plaza. Copyright Wayzata.com.Recovered steel from the World Trade Center. 9/11 Memorial on Panoway Plaza. Copyright Wayzata.com.9/11 Memorial on Panoway Plaza. Copyright Wayzata.com.
This simple glass artifact holds immeasurable value to many, especially Gordy Aamoth’s family. “The artifact is a broken piece of glass with historic and sentimental value but no notable tangible value. The WPD and the broader Wayzata community wants the artifact back and we are asking for the public’s help,” a press release from the Wayzata Police Department stated.
The Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition, a nonprofit organization, is offering a $1,000 reward for the safe return of the glass artifact, with no questions asked.
Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact the Wayzata Police Department at their non-emergency phone number: 952-404-5340 or by visiting 600 Rice Street in Wayzata.
Lake Street in Wayzata. Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Double rainbow. Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Lakewalk. Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.
Assistant City Planner Val Quarles, former City Council Member Jeff Buchanan, Planning Commission Chair Larissa Stockton, City Council Member Jeff Parkhill, Mayor Johanna Mouton, Council Member Molly MacDonald, Council Member Alex Plechash, and City Manager Jeff Dahl celebrate the opening of the Panoway Lakewalk in downtown Wayzata. Submitted photo.
The long-anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Lakewalk drew an enthusiastic crowd on Saturday.
Andy Mullin and Blake Sandvold celebrate the ribbon cutting on the Lakewalk.
City staff estimated that approximately 700 people attended the event, eager to witness the official opening and enjoy the picturesque views along the shoreline.
Panoway Lakewalk. Submitted photo.Formor Wayzata Mayor Ken Willcox, Dave Dudinsky, Winnie, Willcox, and Charlie Schoen celebrate.
The celebration featured speeches from local officials, live music, and activities for all ages, marking a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing efforts to enhance its public spaces.
Elanie & Bob Ambrose, Andy Mullin, Dan Koch, and Blake Sandvold celebrate the ribbon cutting.
The Lakewalk project has roots stretching back over a century, reflecting the community’s long-standing vision for a vibrant and accessible waterfront.
In recent years, this vision transformed into a concrete plan through nearly two decades of intense planning and fundraising efforts.
Local leaders, residents, and businesses collaborated tirelessly to turn this historic dream into reality, navigating challenges and securing the necessary support to bring the Lakewalk to life.
Their dedication culminated in the creation of a stunning, welcoming space that honors Wayzata’s rich history while offering new opportunities for recreation and connection.
Advertisement for the ribbon cutting, courtesy of the City of Wayzata.
The much-anticipated grand opening of the PanowayLakewalk and Docks is set to take place this weekend, promising a day filled with festivities for all ages.
The official ceremony will commence at 11:00 a.m. at Panoway Plaza, featuring a formal dedication and a ceremonial “first walk” along the newly constructed Lakewalk.
Following the ceremony, family-friendly activities will begin at noon. Attendees can look forward to an array of entertainment, including live music, boat rides, art displays, and delicious food.
Kids will be treated to free ice cream, and everyone can enjoy a project walking tour to learn more about the Panoway Lakewalk.
A Century-Long Vision Comes to Life
The Panoway Lakewalk on Wayzata Bay is the culmination of over a decade of dedicated work by the Lake Effect Initiative.
This initiative engaged thousands of community members through public and private events, meetings, and conversations to assess the needs and desires of the Wayzata community.
After more than ten years of passionate planning and extensive community involvement, the construction of the 1,200-foot-long Lakewalk is now complete.
The $11.5 million project was made possible through a combination of City Tax Increment Financing (TIF) dollars, a grant from the State of Minnesota, and generous donations from The Wayzata Conservancy.
Stretching along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Minnetonka, the Panoway Lakewalk extends from the Depot docks to the Broadway Avenue docks.
The project also includes the replacement and expansion of community docks, offering enhanced access and enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.
Join the Wayzata community this weekend to celebrate the realization of this remarkable vision and experience the beauty and amenities of the new Panoway Lakewalk and Docks.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this vibrant festival promises a weekend brimming with art, food, music, and family-friendly activities.
Over 150 juried artists from across the country will showcase their creations in various categories, including ceramics, drawing, printmaking, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, recycled art, sculpture, and wood.
Submitted photo.
The art show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
A highlight of this year’s event is the new Lakewalk, a 1,200-foot boardwalk along Wayzata Bay.
It will feature “Walk in Peace” by Ashley Dull, the festival’s featured artist, and a floral installation by Don & Co.
This multimedia exhibit (Booth #163) aims to immerse visitors in a serene, nature-inspired setting that reflects Dull’s themes of peace and joy.
Foodies will delight in offerings from 15 of the Twin Cities’ best food trucks and a selection of specialty items from local artisans, including gourmet sea salts, award-winning chocolates, premium olive oils, and non-alcoholic cocktail mixers.
Submitted photo.
The Beer + Wine Garden will provide a refreshing array of craft beers, wines, and seltzers.
Music enthusiasts can enjoy performances by top artists such as Alesso and Dillon Francis during WaamFest, held on June 21 and 22 at Wayzata Beach.
The festival also features local talents, including Monica Livorsi, Benny Weinbeck, Tom Hunter, Sam Graber, and Taylor Robert, performing throughout the weekend on the Island of Music.
On Saturday night, the Wayzata Yacht Club will host the Boat Light Parade from 9:15 to 10 p.m., viewable from the new boardwalk, Panoway on Wayzata Bay, or Depot Park.
Submitted photo.
Visitors can also enjoy free boat rides from Tonka Boat Rentals between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on both days.
The Activity Zone offers fun for all ages with aerial performances by Eureka Aerial, interactive chalk art by The Chalk Bloc, creative crafts by The Thinking Spot & Urban Boatbuilders, and free art activities on Ziggy’s Art Bus.
To round out the experience, attendees can dine at one of Wayzata’s award-winning restaurants or shop at the charming lakeside boutiques.
This event, presented by the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce and supported by numerous sponsors, promises an unforgettable summer celebration for art lovers, foodies, music fans, and families alike.
The highly anticipated Lakewalk in Wayzata is open to the public today.
Wayzata.com publisher and Coldwell Banker Realtor Daniel Gustafson walked the full length of the Lakewalk today at approximately 4:30 am from the docks at CōV and Panoway Plaza to the Wayzata Depot and Depot Docks, as did other members of the public–as shown in the video below.
No official notification from the City of Wayzata has been issued.
Stretching 1,200 feet along the picturesque shores of Lake Minnetonka, the Lakewalk offers residents and visitors a scenic path perfect for walking along the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka in downtown Wayzata.
Watch for more information on a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony in the future.
Located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata Bay, the Panoway lakewalk is a project aimed at enhancing the waterfront experience by providing public spaces to gather and walk along the shore.
This weekend marks a significant milestone as the contractor is scheduled to install the last few pre-cast planks, forming the foundational structure of the walkway.
Once the final planks are in place, attention will shift to installing the decking and railings, according to an email from the City of Wayzata.
The project is expected to be open for public use by Memorial Day of 2024.
Stay tuned for further updates as Panoway Lakewalk continues to evolve into a cherished community space.
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