Gina Holman is honored as the 2024 Wayzata Chamber Person of the Year. Photo submitted by Peter Hitch.
The Wayzata Chamber of Commerce has named Gina Holman as its 2024 Person of the Year, recognizing her longstanding commitment and contributions to the community. A luncheon in her honor was held on Thursday, October 10th, at the Wayzata Country Club.
Holman’s ties to Wayzata go way back. From 1994 to 2013, she served as the Director of Liquor Operations for the City of Wayzata, managing cherished institutions like the Wayzata Bar & Grill and Wayzata Wine and Spirits. Over her two decades in this role, Holman demonstrated exceptional leadership, overseeing the move of these businesses to their new locations while modernizing operations. Her passion for the industry and dedication to customer service built a strong foundation for her later success in the distilling world.
As noted, Holman was instrumental in the relocation of the Wayzata Bar & Grill from the Wayzata Bay Center to its current location on Mill Street. During the event, former Wayzata MayorKen Willcox spoke, highlighting Holman’s crucial role in preserving the beloved local establishment and ensuring its continued success.
Gina Holman throws open the doors on the new Wayzata Bar & Grill in April of 2011. File photo.
The Chamber’s decision to name Holman as the 2024 Person of the Year reflects the high esteem in which she is held by the local business community. Her deep roots in Wayzata, her years of service, and her success in both public and entrepreneurial ventures make her an outstanding and deserving recipient of this honor.
📣 Grab your copy of the latest printed edition of Wayzata.com – it’s making waves all over town! 🗞️ This week, we’re shining the spotlight on the Wayzata Bar and Grill 🍔🍻, one of Wayzata’s favorite restaurants.
Did you know that the Muni proudly proclaims every dollar of profit from the Muni reduces your property tax bill? And that the store moved from the old Wayzata Bay Center parking lot to their new location in 2011?
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Wayzata.com has occupied this location in the Wayzata Bar & Grill for many years. It’s a reader favorite.
You’ll find information on the Wayzata Chilly Open being cancelled due to warm weather.
The Wayzata City Council voted 4-1 to instruct staff to draft a resolution for the denial of an application submitted by Presbyterian Homes on Tuesday, January 9th.
The proposal sought to convert the former Lunds & Byerly’s retail space at the Promenade’s Superior Block into loft-style condominiums.
City Staff is expected to present findings of fact and a final resolution for denial in the future.
Despite a 4-3 recommendation for approval by the Planning Commission on November 6, the proposal faced opposition during the City Council vote.
Mill Street in Wayzata.
Presbyterian Homes and Services, the property owner, aimed to breathe new life into the 35,374 square feet of vacant retail space, formerly Lunds & Byerly’s Kitchen, with plans for 12 loft-style residential condo units.
The retail space has been dormant for approximately 6.5 years.
A report by City Staff highlighted challenges within the retail portion of the Promenade project, revealing a 38% vacancy rate, with 8,700 square feet along Lake Street remaining vacant since construction.
The Promenade Loft Condos concept by Chris Palkowitsch – BKV Architects.
Economic hardship affecting the applicant due to operating costs traditionally borne by tenants, was cited at the meeting.
Originally approved in 2007 as part of the Wayzata Bay Center redevelopment, the Promenade’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) has undergone changes reflecting shifts in retail dynamics over the past fifteen years.
Presbyterian Homes emphasized the impact of online shopping and pandemic-related strains on retailers, prompting a reevaluation of the use of brick-and-mortar spaces.
Challenges in leasing existing retail spaces were attributed to the evolving nature of retail, along with visibility, foot traffic, and elevation concerns.
During the City Council meeting, Mayor Johanna Mouton voiced concerns about the persistent vacancy, urging collaboration with Presbyterian Homes.
The mayor expressed disappointment in the perceived lack of engagement, calling for a solution and suggesting a more active dialogue, “We have been concerned about the vacancy. To say there were tens of thousands of hours spent on this (redevelopment) project at a City level, a community level, and by Presbyterian Homes is an understatement. For years we have received feedback, asking what is going on over at Folkestone? It’s vacant, it’s constantly vacant.”
Mouton continued, “We were so concerned… (that we asked) what is going on, how can we work with Presbyterian Homes to fill this space, Staff please reach out to them… let’s come to the table, lets figure out a solution, what does that look like… crickets, crickets… it’s a bit of a poke in the eye and it doesn’t make us look good.”
Former Lunds & Byerlys Kitchen space has sat empty for 6.5 years.
Mouton also indicated how positive the relationship with Presbyterian Homes representatives had been during the initial development, “…John Merhkens… he was a wonderful advocate throughout the construction process, when issues would arise he came to the table always, communicative, responsive.”
Lisa Albain of Presbyterian Homes stated in response, “First of all, I’m not passing the buck, I apologize for the experience you all have had, I was not a part of the conceptual development of Folkestone, nor was I a part of the leasing efforts for the retail space up until about nine months ago. The people who were a part of Presbyterian Homes, and Folkestone that you had relationships with have retired and are no longer with the company any more. We are doing our very best to locate files, to understand history, to really right the ship and I think we have done a very good job in the last year, it’s changing.”
One of the retailers the Council and Presbyterian Homes celebrated together in the meeting was the placement of Red Cow Gourmet Burgers near the Hotel Landing.
However, questions were raised about the information presented to the Planning Commission by Council Member Molly MacDonald, “I’ve been disappointed with what you guys have shown up with in terms of data to the planning commission meeting, there was a little bit more context in this packet, but to say we have contacted everyone, we have reached out to all these people, you said you have been engaged, like what restauranteurs did you engage with? I feel like there isn’t any hard data showing what you have actually done, and I have this being juxtaposed with a developer at 50th & France who had been courting my retail business in Wayzata at the same time I was trying to get ahold of you guys, and I kept thinking, why can’t they hire this guy who calls me once every six months, offers deals, and now that space is vibrant, active, and fully leased to my knowledge.”
Presbyterian Homes highlighted unique challenges posed by the deep and extensive retail space, making it difficult to attract boutique retailers.
The site’s depth and access issues were emphasized, with concerns about visibility, walkability, and the absence of credit-worthy tenants willing to lease the space.
Presbyterian Homes attorney Christine Eid stated, “There are objective challenges with this space that won’t be resolved, and at this point in time it’s costing the owner over $300,000 in operating expense losses, and requiring this to be commercial and not allowing some flexibility, it removes the ability of the owner to actually make it economically viable.”
The east end of Mill street is the only place where the retail is flush with the street, around the rest of the perimeter one has to walk up many stairs, and a loading dock on the northwest side of the property also creates access issues.
The Promenade mixed use project has approximately 111,000 feet of retail and commercial space in all the blocks, and the conversion to residential condos would be an impact of approximately 24% of that commercial space; and 2% of the overall Promenade project which exceeds over one million feet including condos, retail, the hotel, senior living etc.
The potential denial of the proposal underscores ongoing challenges in leasing efforts at the Promenade, stay tuned for more coverage.
As indicated in a recent memorandum to the City of Wayzata, Presbyterian Homes is seeking significant alterations to the Wayzata Bay Center Redevelopment Agreement.
The proposed changes include adjustments to the number of blocks to be developed, an extended timeline for completion, and modifications to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Block Development: Presbyterian Homes is now advocating for the construction of only one block initially, deviating from the initial agreement that outlined three blocks.
Alternatively, they express a willingness to settle for two blocks dedicated to senior housing.
Timeline Extension: The proposed changes also seek to extend the completion timeline for Phase I to 2014 (originally three blocks, now one or two blocks of senior housing) and Phase II to 2016 for the remaining project.
This would provide more flexibility in the construction schedule.
TIF District Restart: Presbyterian Homes aims to restart the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District in 2011 or 2012, resetting the clock for maximum collection over 26 years.
The proposal includes a provision for deferring TIF District receipts for four years, unless an earlier collection is requested by the Redeveloper.
Sale of Remaining Blocks: The development plan indicates that Presbyterian Homes intends to sell the remaining blocks, either directly or through a different developer such as Opus.
The City Council is reportedly considering contingency plans for the appearance of demolished blocks in case of a delay in finding a new developer.
Memo Summary: A memorandum from Jay R. Lindgren of Dorsey & Whitney outlines the terms of the proposed Second Amendment to the Wayzata Bay Center Redevelopment Agreement.
Some of the key points in the memo include demolition timing, acknowledgment of the City’s purchase of the DNR Parcel, a First Offer, First Refusal (FOFR) Agreement, adjustments to the Maximum Redeveloper Amount, and modifications to timelines for improvements completion.
Other Amendments: The proposed amendment includes changes to the timing and sequence of block construction, adjustments to the TIF District, acknowledgment of Gas Station Parcel purchase, satisfaction of affordable housing requirements, and park dedication requirements.
Deadline Extensions: Notably, the proposed amendment grants the Mayor the authority to postpone any deadline in the Agreement, including those introduced by the Amendment, for up to 90 days, provided the Redeveloper agrees in writing to each extension.
This proposed amendment is currently under consideration by the City Council, and stakeholders are encouraged to provide comments and feedback.
The last patrons ever at the Pancake House in Wayzata. Photo Drew Arvidson.
August 15, 2011 at 3 p.m., the Original Pancake House closed.
The Wayzata Bay Center has been the home to OPH for the past 17 years, but it is no longer. Due to the reconstruction of the Bay Center, the Pancake House will be moving to Plymouth.
When asked about the move, Charlie Mejia, restaurant manager, said, “it’s hard because our customers have been so loyal to us, and now we have to leave.” But he made clear that the new location will be better. He is very excited to see the faces of their loyal old customers, as well as a crowd of new faces at their new location.
The new location is at the intersection of CR-6 and 101, OPH is unsure on a date that the new location will open, but Mejia is hoping for the end of October or the beginning of November.
The Pancake House in Wayzata sits empty. Photo Drew Arvidson.
Mejia ended with saying “I would like to thank all of our customers for your loyalty. We are looking forward to seeing you at our new location.”
Stay tuned to Wayzata.com, your Original Pancake House is moving up 101 leader.
In a recent Wayzata City Council meeting, local resident Jeff Shore took the floor during the public forum, posing challenging questions about the progress and future of the Wayzata Bay Center development.
Shore’s concerns revolved around whether Presbyterian Homes, the developer behind the project, would adhere to their original commitments.
“Are we holding Presbyterian Homes to what they originally agreed to do? Our biggest exposure is that it ends up being a hole in the ground. This would be, in my opinion, a tremendous blow to the community if they can’t finish what they agreed to start,” expressed Shore.
Mayor Ken Willcox, who recently met with representatives from Presbyterian Homes, provided reassurance. “My understanding is that they have every intention of going forward with the plan as it was structured. The lurching has been happening because of the financial crunch, and that the key markets they would have been building into, namely condos and retail have fallen on hard times. They have readjusted the schedule of what they are going to build first. Everything is still on course.”
During the discussion, Councilwoman Mary Bader raised concerns about the possibility of certain sections of the property, particularly along Lake Street, remaining undeveloped for an extended period.
She highlighted the initial sequence that prioritized building along Lake Street first and senior housing last. With the revised plan, senior housing would now take precedence.
“We know the market for retail has been difficult, the condo market has been difficult, we don’t know about the hotel. The sequence originally was that the buildings along Lake Street would be built first, and the senior housing last. Now that sequencing will be changing, the senior housing will be built first. What is the possibility that the buildings on Lake Street, the hotel, and the retail sections–could that land along Lake Street sit undeveloped for years or decades?” questioned Councilwoman Bader.
City Manager Al Orsen responded, stating, “There is no way to guarantee that it will get built. They are promising to deliver the utility construction schedule within the next 30 days.”
As of now, an email seeking an updated timeline from Presbyterian Homes representatives has not been immediately returned.
The City Council continues to field questions, address concerns and monitor the progress of the Bay Center development.
In a lively celebration, a bustling crowd transitioned from the old Wayzata Bar and Grill in the parking lot of the Wayzata Bay Center to the revamped Muni on April 28, 2011.
Greg Rye is interviewed by a local tv news station at the old Wayzata Bar & Grill.
The farewell event, marked by a vibrant display of dance, featured a diverse gathering of attendees, including a spirited team of performers from the Wayzata Chamber, esteemed City Officials such as Mayor Ken Willcox, and City Manager Al Orsen.
Superior Boulevard became the stage for a dynamic procession as the enthusiastic group, led by Mayor Willcox and City Manager Orsen, made their way from the old venue to the new.
Katie Pennington and Mark Cheeley enjoy a beverage at the old Muni.
The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as the community bid adieu to the familiar surroundings of the Wayzata Bar and Grill, welcoming a fresh start at The Muni.
The climax of the evening unfolded in front of the newly erected building, where a modest ceremony took place.
Sommelier Gina Holman took center stage, uncorking a bottle of champagne to symbolize the effervescence of this momentous occasion.
With a grand gesture, she swung open the doors of the new establishment, inviting attendees to step into a new era for The Muni.
Gina Holman throws open the doors to the new Muni.
The atmosphere was charged with optimism as patrons, city officials, and community members reveled in the promise of this newly constructed space.
The Muni, now transformed, stands ready to embrace a future filled with culinary delights, community gatherings, and shared moments of joy.
Presbyterian Homes and Services has achieved three significant milestones, marking a clear path for the commencement of construction on The Promenade of Wayzata, also known as The Wayzata Bay Center Redevelopment project, by the year’s end.
The first milestone involved the successful mediation with the Original Pancake House, resulting in the buyout of their remaining lease.
This crucial step ensures a smooth transition for upcoming plans.
In the second milestone, Presbyterian Homes and Services has formally announced the signing of an exclusive agreement with Opus Development Corporation.
This agreement grants Opus the option to purchase the rights for developing the retail and condominium portions of the project.
The partnership with Opus is a strategic move toward realizing the envisioned development.
The third and final milestone underscores the strong market demand for the project.
In the initial three weeks of potential sign-ups for the Senior Housing Apartments, an impressive 40 out of the first 91 units within the Superior Block have been reserved.
This announcement serves as a testament to the robust market interest in this segment of the project.
With these milestones in place, Presbyterian Homes and Services is poised to move forward with the construction of The Promenade of Wayzata, contributing to the transformation of the Wayzata community.
The development project encompasses a blend of retail, residential, and senior living options, reflecting a comprehensive and inclusive approach to community development.
Since the approval of the redevelopment by the City of Wayzata, Presbyterian Homes and Services has negotiated with each long-term Wayzata Bay Center tenant on a relocation package or lease buyout.
With negotiations successfully completed with the Original Pancake House, agreements have been reached with all tenants, which now allows planning to begin for demolition and construction.
The agreement with the Original Pancake House will allow the restaurant to remain in place until October 1 unless they choose to close before, however partial demolition could occur as early as August 15.
When asked about the agreement, John Mehrkens, Vice President Development of Senior Housing Partners, stated, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Original Pancake House that will allow them to continue to serve their many loyal customers and hopefully, an opportunity to relocate their business in the Wayzata area. We know the Original Pancake House is a fixture in the community and we’re proud to have had them as an anchor at the Bay Center since 1994.“
Presbyterian Homes and Services has signed a letter of understanding with Opus Development Corporation giving them exclusive rights to undertake due diligence and preliminary marketing of the retail and residential development components of The Promenade of Wayzata.
The Opus team has a national reputation for designing and building distinctive and innovative retail and housing developments.
When asked why Opus chose to partner with Presbyterian Homes and Services, Dave Menke, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Opus Development Corporation, commented, ‘Opus has a very similar approach to development as Presbyterian Homes, with a strong focus on delivering superior quality with a distinctive look and design that’s customized to each specific project. We are happy to be involved in a project that will benefit and shape the future of the Wayzata community.”
Opus Development Corporation and Presbyterian Homes and Services will be doing a joint marketing effort for the retail portion of the Promenade of Wayzata in May at the RECon Global Retail Real Estate Spring Convention in Las Vegas, NV.
While there has long been an expectation of strong market appeal for the Senior Housing planned for the community, the inital marketing has vastly exceeded initial projections.
Over 300 people attended informational meetings at Wayzata Country Club and hundreds more watched the webinars on the Senior Housing Project, which has been named Folkestone.
Dena Kuenzel, Housing Advisor for the Folkestone Senior Community, commenting on the initial response stated, “Particulary in this challenging housing environment, we have been excited at the level of interest in Folkestone. With the first 50 individual meetings with potential residents completed, we’ve already had 40 senior apartments reserved to date. This puts us well ahead of our initial schedule. Given the strong response, I would encourgage anyone interested in learning more about Folkestone to call me at (952) 944-5737.”
The agreement between Presbyterian Homes and the Original Pancake House was officially concluded on April 8, 2011.
This agreement marks a pivotal step toward advancing plans for the redevelopment of the Wayzata Bay Center, encompassing senior housing, retail spaces, and a hotel.
George Daniels enjoys a cup of coffee at the Original Pancake House in Wayzata. The restaurant is scheduled to close on August 15, 2011. Photo Dan Gustafson.
As part of the transition, the Pancake House will remain operational until August 15, 2011.
Meanwhile, the Saviks are actively searching for a new location to relocate their business.
John Mehrkens, Vice President of Development at Presbyterian Homes, expressed earlier this year his anticipation to commence the demolition of the site during the upcoming summer.
The departure of the Original Pancake House contributes to the realization of the broader vision for the Bay Center’s transformation into a multifaceted development.
The planned redevelopment aims to bring senior housing, retail establishments, and a hotel to the heart of Wayzata.
Presbyterian Homes vice president of development John Mehrkens indicated earlier this year that he hopes to begin demolition of the site this summer.
Since the purchase of the Wayzata Bay Center property and approval of the Bay Center Redevelopment plan, Presbyterian Homes has been working with Bay Center tenants to help them relocate their businesses or to buy out their leases.
Lease resolution for all but one of the tenants was completed in 2008 and 2009, with the Original Pancake House being the only remaining unresolved lease.
Presbyterian Homes’ goal has been to assist in relocating all tenants who wished to remain in the area.
Efforts resulted in the relocation of the Foursome to Plymouth.
Other tenants, including the Municipal Bar and Grill, Lindblom Jewelers, Bob’s Shoe Repair, Healthy Foods and Healthy Ways, Picture This Framed and Barber Bob Nash, have been relocated in the immediate Wayzata area where they can continue to serve the Wayzata community.
Summit Dance, a 25-year tenant at the Bay Center, will consolidate all classes at their Plymouth studio after completing this year’s dance season in May at the Bay Center studio.
Other tenants such as Kraemer’s True Value Hardware and Glaciers have chosen to simply take lease buyout funds and cease operation or concentrate their business plan in other locations.
When asked to comment on the lease negotiations and relocation, John Mehrkens, Vice President Development of Presbyterian Homes & Services, stated, “Our goal from the beginning of the Bay Center Redevelopment project has been to assist all tenants in relocating their businesses or being part of the new Bay Center redevelopment if it fit their business goals. We are very happy to have reached resolution with tenants and are pleased that so many were able to successfully relocate in the Wayzata community. We also realize how popular the Original Pancake House is and what a fixture it is in downtown Wayzata. For that reason, we have offered resolution opportunities including relocation to another site in Wayzata or a lease buyout payment. While our ongoing negotiations have not resulted in a mutually acceptable agreement, Presbyterian Homes and the Original Pancake House have agreed to non-binding mediation in the hope that it will lead to a resolution that is acceptable to both parties.” The mediation is scheduled to take place at the end of March.
At the present time, with the relocation of many original tenants, the center has several new, temporary tenants and periodic public events to maintain a viable commercial environment.
April 16th will be the Bay Center’s final indoor farmers market, where a wide variety of exhibitors will feature garden products and ideas.
This event will be in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s big annual fundraising sale that runs from April 13-16 in the former Foursome Men’s Store.
On May 1, the Bay Center will host the start of the Wells Fargo Lake Minnetonka Half-Marathon.
For more information on the Wayzata Bay Center Redevelopment, contact John Mehrkens at (651) 631-6313.
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